Roommate Stabbing in Spindale

A Rutherford County man faces attempted first-degree murder and firearm charges after authorities say he stabbed his roommate and fled the scene with a case of forks, according to public emergency communications radio traffic and court records.

Johannes Geradus Debets, 31, is accused of attempting to kill Lawrence Gauthier during a Jan. 7 incident investigated by the Spindale Police Department. A magistrate’s order issued that day found probable cause to charge Debets with attempted first-degree murder under common law and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Radio traffic reviewed by WCAB News indicates officers were advised that Debets allegedly stabbed Gauthier, identified as his roommate, and left the scene “carrying a case of forks.” Authorities have not released a press statement detailing the circumstances of the incident or the victim’s condition.

Charging documents also allege Debets unlawfully possessed a tan-and-black 12-gauge pump shotgun. Prosecutors say he is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.

State Department of Adult Correction records and North Carolina eCourts filings show Debets has an extensive criminal history dating back more than a decade. Records show he has served multiple periods of incarceration and supervision.

Records indicate his most recent prison sentence followed 2020 convictions in Rutherford and Polk counties for felony possession or receipt of a stolen vehicle and related offenses. He was released from prison in October 2021 and completed post-release supervision in July 2022.

In May 2024, Debets was convicted in Rutherford County of misdemeanor assault on a female and placed on probation under a suspended sentence. His record also includes felony breaking and entering, felony larceny after breaking and entering, speeding to elude arrest, repeated probation revocations, and numerous misdemeanor offenses such as resisting an officer, damage to property, assault, failure to appear, and hit and run.

The case is pending in the Rutherford District Court. An electronic warrants hearing was scheduled for Thursday morning at the Rutherford County Courthouse. No defense attorney was listed in the public court file as of Wednesday.

Debets is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.