A man in North Carolina was arrested on Friday after allegedly stabbing a U.S. Marine to death during a chaotic street fight that was recorded on video, drawing significant scrutiny on local police, according to officials.
Davey Spencer, 47, is facing charges for second-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. This follows the stabbing death of 21-year-old Daniel Montano during a large altercation in downtown Wilmington around 2 a.m. last Sunday, as reported by the Wilmington Police Department.
Corporal Montano, based at Camp Lejeune—roughly 110 miles away—was one of two individuals who were stabbed in this incident.
The police department has faced backlash over their handling of the violent clash after disturbing online footage emerged, depicting Montano collapsed in a pool of blood while officers attempted to break up the fight.
A viral clip shows men fighting in the street as Wilmington officers arrived and used pepper spray. Moments later, the scene cuts to the sidewalk, where a seriously injured Montano can be seen gesturing desperately toward his neck as police rush in.
During the chaotic moments, a bystander intervened, tearing off his shirt to staunch the bleeding by wrapping it around Montano’s neck.
Both Montano and the other stabbing victim were quickly transported to a local hospital but, tragically, did not survive their injuries.
Montano’s heartbroken sister, Evelyn, shared that he was originally from California and was part of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville.
“He was not just dedicated to his duty; he was cherished by his family,” she noted on a fundraising page aimed at helping cover the costs of the family’s funeral and memorial services.
“To us, he was much more than a Marine. He was a son, a brother, and a person who brightened our lives,” she added.
In the meantime, local police defended their actions during the altercation, stating they responded appropriately to the situation. However, officers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave as the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation takes over the case.
Spencer, a resident of Wilmington, is currently being held without bail.
