Deadly Stabbing in Downtown Wilmington Prompts Police Appeal for Tips

Authorities seek public's help identifying person of interest in fatal attack

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:57pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bloody knife blade against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A grim reminder of the violent crime plaguing downtown Wilmington, this close-up of a bloodied weapon underscores the urgency for improved public safety measures.Wilmington Today

A 21-year-old man has died following a stabbing incident in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina early Sunday morning. Police are now asking the public to come forward with any information, photos, or videos that could aid their investigation into the deadly attack.

Why it matters

Violent crime in downtown Wilmington has been an ongoing concern, with the city struggling to address issues like late-night fights and stabbings in the popular entertainment district. This latest incident has renewed calls for improved public safety measures and better police response times.

The details

According to the Wilmington Police Department, officers responded to reports of multiple fights in downtown Wilmington around 2 a.m. on April 5. Two adult males were stabbed during the incident, with one of the victims, 21-year-old Daniel Montano, later dying from his injuries. In a separate, unrelated stabbing that same night, a woman also sustained life-threatening wounds.

  • The stabbings occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • Police are asking anyone who was in the downtown Wilmington area between approximately 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. on April 5 to come forward with information.

The players

Wilmington Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the deadly stabbing incident in downtown Wilmington.

Daniel Montano

A 21-year-old man who died from injuries sustained in the downtown Wilmington stabbing.

Jason Smith

The District Attorney who reviewed video footage of the incident but did not find anything criminal in the officers' conduct.

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What they’re saying

“I had reviewed the video, but said I didn't see anything criminal in it related to the officers' conduct. For that reason, I hadn't contacted the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) about a probe into the officers.”

— Jason Smith, District Attorney

What’s next

The Wilmington Police Department is using a secure digital evidence portal to collect information from the public, and anyone with relevant photos, videos, or observations is encouraged to submit them. Detectives are also working to identify and locate a person of interest depicted in photos released by the department.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has highlighted the ongoing public safety challenges in downtown Wilmington, with calls for improved police response and better coordination between law enforcement and the community to address violent crime in the area.