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Jacksonville Today
By the People, for the People
Maniac, 47, charged for fatally stabbing US Marine during NC street brawl
Wilmington police face scrutiny over response to deadly melee caught on camera
Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:41am
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A violent street brawl in Wilmington, North Carolina leaves a US Marine dead and local police facing intense scrutiny over their response.Jacksonville TodayA 47-year-old North Carolina man named Davy Spencer has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly stabbing 21-year-old US Marine Daniel Montano to death during a large street fight in downtown Wilmington last weekend. The incident has put the local police department under heavy scrutiny for their response, which was captured on disturbing viral footage.
Why it matters
The deadly stabbing of a young Marine has sparked outrage in the community and raised questions about the police response, with the department facing criticism over its handling of the chaotic brawl that led to Montano's death. The incident has also highlighted ongoing tensions around violence and public safety in the Wilmington area.
The details
According to police, the fight broke out around 2 a.m. last Sunday morning in downtown Wilmington. Montano, a lance corporal stationed at nearby Camp Lejeune, was one of two people stabbed during the melee. Disturbing footage of the incident shows Wilmington police arriving on the scene and pepper-spraying the brawling crowd, but seconds later the camera cuts to Montano slumped on the sidewalk, desperately pointing to his neck as officers rush to provide aid. A bystander can be seen rushing in to apply pressure to Montano's wound in a frantic attempt to stop the bleeding. Montano and the other stabbing victim were rushed to a local hospital, but Montano later succumbed to his injuries.
- The fight broke out around 2 a.m. last Sunday morning (April 6, 2026).
- Davy Spencer was arrested on Friday (April 11, 2026).
The players
Davy Spencer
A 47-year-old Wilmington resident who has been charged with second-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly stabbing Daniel Montano.
Daniel Montano
A 21-year-old US Marine lance corporal stationed at Camp Lejeune who was fatally stabbed during the street brawl.
Wilmington Police Department
The local police department that responded to the deadly fight and has faced criticism over its handling of the incident.
What they’re saying
“He was not only dedicated to his country, but also deeply loved by his family. To us, he was more than a Marine – he was a son, a brother, and someone who brought so much light into our lives.”
— Evelyn Montano, Sister of Daniel Montano
“We acted appropriately given the circumstances.”
— Wilmington Police Department
What’s next
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case, and the officers involved in the response have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The takeaway
This tragic incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about public safety and the appropriate use of force by police in Wilmington, North Carolina. The death of a young Marine has sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny of the local authorities' handling of volatile situations.
