Marine Stabbed to Death in Wilmington Street Fight

A U.S. Marine reportedly died after being stabbed during a street altercation in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, on April 5, according to authorities.

At approximately 2 a.m. that morning, the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) responded to several reports of fights occurring in the area. Two men, including 21-year-old Daniel Montano, were believed to have been injured in the incident.

Montano was taken to a nearby hospital, but sadly, he later died from his injuries. The police have not disclosed the identity of the other male victim involved.

Footage from the incident has circulated online, viewed over 20,000 times. In the video, a man dressed in black is seen with blood running down his neck, while some bystanders attempted to assist him.

Montano was identified by his sister, Evelyn, as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. She mentioned that a GoFundMe campaign was created to help cover his funeral expenses. He was part of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune.

“He was not just dedicated to his country; he was deeply loved by our family. He meant so much more to us than just being a Marine—he was a son, a brother, and a beacon of light in our lives,” Evelyn shared.

The family expressed their heartbreak over Montano’s unexpected passing, stating they were unprepared for the emotional and financial strain it has caused. They are seeking assistance for funeral and memorial costs during this challenging time.

The released video has heightened scrutiny toward the WPD, prompting Police Chief Ryan Zuidema to defend the officers’ response. He stated, “They’re trying to assess the situation. We don’t know if there are other victims or if the suspect is still around—there’s a lot happening.”

WPD is continuing its investigation and is searching for persons of interest related to the incident.