Orange County murder victim had cleaned suspect's house for years, authorities say

Many questions surround the case of an Orange County man who's accused of killing a woman who was hired to clean his home.

Family and friends told WRAL News that Paula Floyd had been cleaning Matthew Vukmer's home for over two decades.

Those close to her said Floyd had a smile that would light up souls. Her peers, including Gracie Toler, are now only left with darkness.

"We’re truly heartbroken," Toler said. "We want answers, that’s what we want."

Toler said she viewed Floyd as a second mother. She’s coming to grips with the loss and is now hoping for justice.

First responders arrived at a home in Orange County just before 11:30 a.m. Friday with Floyd suffering from stab wounds.

There were no signs of a suspect. Vukmer went on the run for hours. He was eventually picked up across state lines by the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia without incident. 

A photo was posted of Vukmer in the back of a squad car. He’s currently sitting in a jail cell.

"When we saw his mugshot out today, it was so sickening that he could be smiling in it like he was proud of what he did," Toler said.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said they are working with Virginia authorities to have Vukmer extradited back to face a murder charge.

Meanwhile, friends and family wait for answers to their biggest question - why?

No answer would fill their void for a woman whose kindness was larger than life.

"The sad part is, she would have already forgiven him because that’s the type of person she was," Toler said. 

Orange County said they are submitting search warrants today for Vukmer's truck, where they will look for more evidence related to the crime.

If Vukmer waives his extradition hearing, he could be back in Orange County soon to face a judge.