July 20, 2008
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

TEEN STABBED IN CHEST DURING PARTY 

A 15-year-old boy was airlifted to the hospital early Sunday morning with stab wounds to his chest sustained during an argument at a party near DeLand. The injuries are serious, but not life threatening. Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies are still investigating the incident in an effort to positively identify the attacker.

 

Witnesses told deputies that the victim, Fernando Lagunas, and two other teens showed up to a party at 605 S. Woodward Ave., but had not been invited. Other invited guests made it clear that the three newcomers were not welcome. An argument broke out at about 1:20 a.m., possibly concerning a feud over a girl. The fight turned physical and a boy pulled out a knife and attacked Lagunas with it, striking him twice in the chest. The attacker then fled the scene. 

The stab wounds appeared to be deep, so Lagunas was taken by Sheriff’s Office helicopter to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach. It was later learned that he suffered a punctured lung and needed to undergo surgery, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Lagunas is a DeLand resident. Deputies do have leads on a possible suspect, but the investigation is ongoing.