After a near death experience, victim of robbery speaks out

The huge scar on Stephen Byrd’s stomach is the only physical reminder of his near death experience back in May when a man attempted to rob his Rt. 13 consignment shop in Fruitland, stabbing Byrd multiple times with a machete. 

Byrd had to take time off from work to recover and reopened shop this month. Thursday he spoke with 47 ABC about the encounter.

“He wanted to rob me and kill me and that’s exactly what he said,” Byrd said.

On May 2 court documents say Byrd was attacked by Gregory Sterling Sr with a machete resulting in a partially severed left arm, large lacerations to his chest and lacerations to several of his internal organs  including his lungs. 

Byrd alleges he had given Sterling who he claims was homeless  a part time job and a place to rest his head. 

That’s why Byrd said he never thought Sterling would be one to rob him.

Now he’s stuck with the painful memory of the incident every day he comes into work.

“Every time you ride down here it goes through your mind  I mean you have to think about it and you look make sure ain’t nobody hiding around or hiding behind the building or whatever you know,” Byrd said. 

Byrd has since reopened his store at part time hours until he’s fully healed. 

Meanwhile Sterling is set to stand trial in October, he’s charged with attempted 1st degree murder among other charges.