A 21-year-old U.S. Marine was fatally stabbed during a street fight in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, early on April 5, according to police. Lance Cpl. Daniel Montano, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines Regiment at Camp Lejeune, died from his injuries after being transported to a local hospital. A second male victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was also stabbed but survived after officers applied a tourniquet.
Police Response and Investigation
Officers responded to reports of multiple fights around 2 a.m. in the 100 block of North Front Street, a popular area for Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune. A 42-second video of the incident, viewed over 20,000 times on X, shows a man bleeding heavily from his neck as bystanders and police attempt to render aid. The Wilmington Police Department (WPD) released surveillance images of a “person of interest” described as an adult Black male wearing a light-colored fleece-lined denim jacket, light-colored denim pants, a pink shirt, white sneakers with blue and red accents, and a dark blue head covering.
Family and Community Reaction
Montano’s sister, Evelyn Montano, identified him in a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, describing him as a devoted Marine and a beloved family member. “He was not only dedicated to his country, but also deeply loved by his family,” she wrote. The campaign highlights the emotional and financial burden on the family following the tragedy.
Police Accountability and Scrutiny
The video of the incident has drawn scrutiny to the WPD’s response. Police Chief Ryan Zuidema defended his officers’ actions, stating they were assessing the chaotic situation. The department has extended condolences to Montano’s family and is actively seeking public assistance in identifying the person of interest.