March 14, 2008
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

SHERIFF’S OFFICE LOOKING FOR STABBING SUSPECT 

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in finding a man wanted for a stabbing incident that happened near DeLand. The incident was apparently sparked when 22-year-old Daniel Dekmar and the victim traded verbal insults a couple of days before the actual stabbing. When the two met again the fight continued, this time turning physical and sending the victim to the hospital. The victim drove himself to Florida Hospital DeLand where he then underwent surgery for two stab wounds. The injuries are not considered to be life threatening. 

After recovering enough to talk following his surgery, the victim, 34-year-old Justin McKechnie, told investigators that he was at his workshop in DeLand on Saturday with several people, including Dekmar. McKechnie and his father got into an argument with Dekmar and a physical fight nearly broke out. But then Dekmar was told to leave and he did so. However, Monday morning McKechnie drove up to his workshop at 709 N. Ridgewood Ave. and found Dekmar there. McKechnie told the investigator that he and Dekmar started arguing and then Dekmar lunged at him with a knife and stabbed him twice, once in the right chest and the other in the abdomen. McKechnie was able to get away, jump into his car and drive himself to the hospital. 

Investigator David McNamara obtained a warrant on Thursday charging Dekmar with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon causing bodily harm. Dekmar is a white male, approximately 5’6” tall and 140 pounds. He has blond hair and green eyes. His last known address is 575 West French Ave., Orange City. He is believed to be driving a car that was stolen the day of the stabbing. It’s a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina with faded maroon paint and a license number of J44TKB. The car was stolen from the parking lot of 104 S. Spring Garden Ave., DeLand, when the owner had walked into a business but left his keys in the car. 

Anyone with information about Dekmar’s whereabouts is asked to contact Investigator McNamara at (386) 860-7866 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at 1-888-277-TIPS. Callers to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.