Three stabbed, child chased with knife, and 97-year-old Grandmother assaulted on Roots Branch in Clay County

ROOTS BRANCH — The Manchester Enterprise has reported that a Clay County man is behind bars after allegedly stabbing three family members, severely injuring a 97-year-old grandmother, and chasing a young child with a knife during a violent outburst Sunday night.

Stephen Centers, 27, of Roots Branch, formerly of Indiana, was charged with three counts of attempted murder, attempted first-degree assault, and second-degree assault following the incident on Roots Branch Road. The attacks reportedly occurred just after the family had returned home from church.

Deputies Wes Brumley and Cody Blackwell of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene around 8:30 p.m. after dispatch received reports of a stabbing. While en route, the deputies were informed that the victims were on their way to AdventHealth Manchester for emergency medical treatment.

When officers arrived, Centers was already being detained by several individuals at the residence. He was taken into custody and interviewed at the scene.  Victims advised police that Centers was a family member staying at the home.

 According to Deputy Brumley’s investigation, Centers instigated a violent altercation that escalated rapidly. Witnesses said Centers first attacked teenager Raiden Lawson from behind, slashing him across the neck. He then turned on Jayce Gilbert, stabbing him in the shoulder, before rushing at his own grandmother, 97-year-old Gertrude Lawson, knocking her to the ground.

Gertrude Lawson, who is battling cancer, suffered extensive injuries during the assault, including a broken pelvis, multiple broken ribs, and punctured lungs. She remains hospitalized in serious condition.

During the struggle, Clay Lawson was stabbed in the chest and required emergency surgery.  Lawson wrote the Upper Horse Creek Happenings column for many years for The Manchester Enterprise.

A young girl, Melody Brock, reported that Centers chased her through the home with a knife in hand, though she escaped physical harm.  He also chased a small child with the six-inch blade, according to witnesses.

The family had just returned home from a church service when Centers allegedly initiated the argument that led to the attack.

Deputy Brumley said Centers showed no remorse while questioning him about the attack.

Centers was transported to the Clay County Detention Center, where he remains in custody. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed pending the outcomes of medical evaluations and further witness interviews.