A Santa Maria Superior Court jury trial recently ended with a man found guilty of murder in connection with a fatal stabbing two years ago.

Quayde George Taren, 32, who had a Lompoc address at the time of his arrest, was taken into custody following the Sept. 21, 2022 killing in the 700 block of East Betteravia Road. 

James Ackermann, 51, had been violently assaulted and suffered serious lacerations, Santa Maria police said. Ackermann later died at a local hospital.

While Ackermann was found on the grass near a recreational vehicle dealership, investigators believe the attack occurred in a nook behind a restaurant nearby. 

An autopsy identified seven deep laceration wounds including four to the back of his head and three on the front of his face and neck, according to authorities.

Jurors found Taren guilty of first-degree murder plus two counts of assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury. They also found as true a special allegation, or sentencing enhancement, that Taren used a deadly weapon during the incident. 

After the trial, the judge ruled regarding additional special allegations including that Taren had a prior strike under the California Three Strikes Sentencing Law.

A sentencing hearing has been set for Nov. 21. 

Taren faces a maximum sentence of 16 years following by 50 years to life.

He remains in custody at the Santa Barbara County Jail.