2 Men Stabbed in Dispute at Lake Casitas

Two male campers were stabbed early Sunday during a confrontation with another camper at Lake Casitas, authorities said.

The victims, ages 27 and 26, were stabbed multiple times during the 2:30 a.m. fracas, Ventura County sheriff’s officials said. Their identities were not available.

Both were taken to Ojai Valley Hospital, where one of the victims, who suffered serious injuries, was listed in stable condition after surgery, authorities said. The second victim was treated and released.

Mathew Whitener, 28, of Moorpark was later arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. The victims, who did not know their assailant, were trying to get him to leave their campsite when they were stabbed, authorities said. The suspect then fled.

Using a helicopter and canine teams, sheriff’s deputies searched the campground for several hours before finally locating Whitener. He remains in custody.