Stabbing Becomes a Homicide Case

A man stabbed multiple times Sunday during what authorities called a home invasion-style robbery has died.

James David Ayers, 70, who allegedly was attacked in his Cartersville home near a Highway 41 flea market and business, died Thursday at an area hospital, Sheriff Clark Millsap said in a news release. Sunday, he was taken to Floyd Medical Center in critical condition, and since had been hospitalized and treated for multiple stab wounds. 

deputies responding to the Sunday incident arrested Herbert Eberhardt Drews, 48, a resident accused of entering the Joe Frank Harris Parkway home shortly before 10 p.m., .

Authorities say in addition to armed robbery, burglary and aggravated battery, Drews also has been charged with murder. He has been jailed since the incident, but will appear before a judge for a bond hearing.

Friday morning, Ayers' body was transported to Decatur to the state crime lab for an autopsy.

Both Drews and the other alleged victim, who told police Drews had a double-edged knife, were taken to the local hospital, treated for injuries and released. The man was able to subdue Drews until authorities arrived, according to the incident report.

Investigators have not said how the three were acquainted or released additional details of the case.