Search continues for stabbing suspect

CASTLE HAYNE — New Hanover County deputies are working a curious case tonight. A man was stabbed multiple times in Castle Hayne Friday morning. His daughter says she saw it happen.

Detectives say the 14-year-old girl woke up Friday morning to find a man in her house, stabbing her dad over and over again with a large kitchen knife.

It happened around eight a.m. Friday in a home off Millhouse Road. Detectives say Ronald Darden was stabbed in the arms, legs, back, chest and neck with a 10-12 inch knife.

In the house at the time of the stabbing were his daughter and one-year-old son.

Investigators say Darden’s daughter heard commotion, walked out of her bedroom and saw her father getting stabbed.

Investigators say they’ve identified the suspect as Mark Ackerman.

Detectives think Ackerman could be headed south towards New Orleans, Florida or Texas. They believe he is driving an older model Honda Accord with a North Carolina license plate number TWW-9295.

Investigators don’t yet know a motive for the stabbing but believe the victim and suspect know each other.

Ronald Darden went into surgery around 9:30 Friday morning and at last check was listed in stable condition.

If you know where Mark Ackerman is you can call 911 or the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at 910-798-4200.