Marine Fatally Stabbed in Downtown Wilmington

Police seek public's help identifying person of interest in killing of 21-year-old Camp Lejeune Marine

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:37am

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An extreme close-up of a blood-stained knife blade against a dark background, conveying the harsh, sudden nature of the crime through dramatic lighting and minimal detail.A grim reminder of the violence that can erupt on city streets, this stark image of a crime scene evidence captures the somber aftermath of a fatal stabbing.Wilmington Today

A 21-year-old U.S. Marine from Camp Lejeune died after being stabbed during a series of fights in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, early on Sunday. Police are asking for the public's help identifying a person of interest described as a black man of medium build wearing a light-colored fleece-lined denim jacket, light-colored denim pants, a pink shirt, and white sneakers with blue and red accents.

Why it matters

The fatal stabbing of a young Marine has shaken the Wilmington community and raised concerns about public safety in the downtown area. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the suspect and bring closure to the victim's family.

The details

Officers responded at about 2 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, after there were reports of multiple fights in downtown Wilmington. Two men were stabbed, and one of the victims, identified as Daniel Montano, later died from his injuries. The incident was filmed as the police arrived to break up the fight, showing Montano on the sidewalk, hunched over and bleeding as the police and a bystander rendered aid.

  • The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • Police responded to reports of multiple fights in downtown Wilmington.

The players

Daniel Montano

A 21-year-old U.S. Marine from Camp Lejeune who was fatally stabbed during the incident.

Wilmington Police Department

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

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What they’re saying

“Even small details can be critical to the investigation.”

— Wilmington Police Department

What’s next

Investigators are urging anyone who was in the downtown Wilmington area between midnight and 3 a.m. on April 5 to come forward with information, including cell phone photos or videos, dash camera footage, business surveillance recordings, and any observations related to the incident.

The takeaway

The tragic loss of a young Marine has left the Wilmington community in mourning and highlighted the need for improved public safety measures and community engagement to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.