SUSSEX COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) – The elderly couple that was nearly stabbed to death in June in their Sussex County home says they are lucky to be alive.
“I want people to know that god has blessed us. Without God, I don’t think this situation would have turned out as well.”
That’s the message Pastor Hugh Mayes shares with his congregation at Shiloh Baptist Church and the world.
“God’s grace has been good. He spared us. Because I was stabbed right above the heart and she was stabbed right at her jugular, and we both survived.”
Police say 21-year-old Maxim Chisholm broke into their home and stabbed Hugh and his wife Carol multiple times in mid-June.
“I didn’t know he was in the house until I heard her screaming,” said Hugh.
The couple met Chisholm last year, when he showed up to their church, asking for help.
“He was homeless with only the clothes on his back. We kept him in a motel for a couple of weeks and I tried to get him help going through different agencies and so forth. Then we finally took him into our home,” said Hugh.
He’d been living there for six months when Chisholm started getting into drugs, and then tried to kill himself.
Hugh says he tried to get him help, but had no luck.
Chisholm faces multiple charges including attempted first degree murder and grand larceny.
“I just pray for him. I want him to get help,” said Hugh.
During they’re recovery, the Mayes saw an outpouring of support from community members, other congregations and complete strangers. A GoFundMe account has raised more than $5,000.
“I never dreamed this many people would pay attention to what happened.”
Now two months later, both are healthy, grateful to be alive.
“I feel more than blessed, every day is a gift,” said Hugh.
Chisholm’s court hearing in Sussex County has been moved to September 14. It was originally scheduled for August 17.
There will be a gospel benefit concert for the couple in Petersburg at West End Baptist Church on September 17. The address is 6506 Boydton Plank Rd.
