A patch of woods in Marion County turned chaotic Wednesday afternoon after John Fitzpatrick Essex was accused of stabbing someone inside a tent, then setting another tent on fire before taking off.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to Timber Ridge Medical Center around 3:52 p.m. in reference to a stabbing victim. The victim told deputies he had been asleep inside his tent when he suddenly woke up to being stabbed and sliced in the back. He said his back was facing the tent entrance at the time of the attack.
The victim reported additional stab wounds to the top of his head as he attempted to get up, identifying the suspect as someone he personally knew. Investigators said the victim grabbed the suspect’s wrists during the struggle, at which point the suspect fled the tent.
After putting on his shoes, the victim exited the tent and chased after the suspect. That is when, according to the report, the suspect allegedly set fire to another tent at the campsite before fleeing the area.
Deputies later observed multiple injuries on the victim, including roughly ten lacerations to his back, one to his left shoulder, and a laceration to his scalp. The victim told deputies he was unsure what type of weapon was used in the attack.
John Fitzpatrick Essex was later taken into custody at a public location in Ocala. He was advised of his Miranda rights and declined to speak with law enforcement.
Essex was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and armed burglary of a dwelling, both felony offenses. He is being held without bond.
