Man stabbed to death in Marion County; deputies searching for suspect

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - Marion County deputies are searching for a suspect after they found a man suffering from multiple stab wounds on Tuesday night in Ocala.

What we know:

Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) responded to a reported stabbing around 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday in the 4000 block of West Highway 326 in Ocala. 

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When officials arrived at the scene, they found 62-year-old William Kennedy III lying on the ground with multiple stab wounds. 

Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) arrived to assist and transported Kennedy to the hospital. However, Kennedy later died from his injuries. 

What we don't know:

Investigators have not yet released any details on what they believe could have led up to the stabbing or about a possible suspect. 

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What they're saying:

Craig Swearengin saw deputies responding to the stabbing.

"I seen quite a few officer vehicles, I’d say around seven to eight vehicles and an ambulance as well.," he explained. "I just moved to this area, so just hearing that is kind of scary."
 
Lt. Paul Bloom, of the Marion County Sheriff's Office, said this wasn’t a random attack. Detectives believe the victim and suspect knew one another.
 
"In that area, you do have a homeless population that lives around that area, up by the interstate. We feel that it was someone that was homeless," Lt. Bloom said.
 
The victim was able to speak with deputies before he died, according to Bloom.

What's next:

Detectives are actively investigating the incident and searching for a possible suspect. 

What you can do:

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the MCSO at (352) 732-8181.

This is a developing story. Check back later for more updates.