A 47-year-old man, Davey Spencer, has been charged with second-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of a U.S. Marine in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. The incident occurred during a chaotic altercation early on Easter Sunday. Lance Corporal Daniel Montano, 21, succumbed to his injuries after being attacked in a fight that drew police attention.
Montano, who was part of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines based at Camp Lejeune, was found bleeding and was later pronounced dead. Authorities arrested Spencer at the scene. It’s worth noting that Spencer’s criminal history spans over three decades, showing a troubling pattern of repeat offenses.
His record includes arrests from his teenage years—the first at just 16. Notable incidents include a hit-and-run charge, multiple counts of assault, and drug-related offenses. In fact, he was convicted as a habitual felon in 2015, which typically applies to individuals with numerous felony convictions. After serving a prison sentence, he was released in January 2021, with parole ending a year later.
Spencer’s recent troubles haven’t ended. He faced additional charges in 2023 and was arrested again in 2025 for resisting a public officer, among other things. The assault charge from that incident was dismissed, but he did receive a brief jail sentence for the remaining charges.
The early morning brawl that led to Montano’s demise reportedly started around 2 a.m. on Easter Sunday on North Front Street, close to Camp Lejeune, a favored spot for Marines. Video footage has emerged showing police using pepper spray to manage the escalating situation, while Montano was found with a profound stab wound. Tragically, he later died from those injuries, although another man involved in the fight survived.
Montano’s family remembers him as an enthusiastic Marine and spoke highly of the light he brought into their lives. They emphasized that beyond being a Marine, he was also a beloved son and brother, deserving of the community’s support during their time of grief.
Authorities have not yet provided specifics regarding the cause of the altercation, and further inquiries have been made to the Wilmington Police Department for additional details.
