21-Year-Old Dies in Downtown Wilmington Stabbing

Police seek public's help identifying person of interest connected to deadly incident

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:04am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bloodied knife blade against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh camera flash to create a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.A grim reminder of the violence that has shaken downtown Wilmington, this stark image of a crime scene object captures the urgency for answers and action.Wilmington Today

A 21-year-old man has died following a stabbing incident in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina early Sunday morning. The Wilmington Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a person of interest connected to the deadly stabbing.

Why it matters

The stabbing incident has raised concerns about public safety in downtown Wilmington, with questions emerging about the police response captured in a widely circulated video showing officers not immediately providing aid to the injured victim.

The details

Officers responded to reports of multiple fights in downtown Wilmington around 2 a.m. on April 5. Two adult males were stabbed during one incident, with 21-year-old Daniel Montano dying from his injuries. The 2nd Marine Division confirmed that one of their Marines was killed in the altercation. In a separate, unrelated stabbing, a woman sustained life-threatening injuries, and a suspect, Jazya Muldrow-Green, has been arrested.

  • The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • The victim, Daniel Montano, died from his injuries.

The players

Daniel Montano

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

Jazya Muldrow-Green

A 20-year-old woman who was arrested in connection with a separate, unrelated stabbing incident that left a woman with life-threatening injuries.

Wilmington Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the downtown Wilmington stabbing incidents and seeking the public's help in identifying a person of interest.

2nd Marine Division

The U.S. Marine Corps division based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, which confirmed that one of their Marines died from injuries sustained in the downtown Wilmington altercation.

Jason Smith

The District Attorney who reviewed the video of the police response and did not see anything criminal in the officers' conduct.

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What they’re saying

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Marine's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

— 2nd Marine Division

What’s next

Detectives are working to identify and locate the person of interest depicted in photos released by the Wilmington Police Department. The department is also collecting information from the public through a secure digital evidence portal.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has raised concerns about public safety and the police response in downtown Wilmington, highlighting the need for thorough investigations and transparency to address any issues and restore community trust.