Police ask for public help after early morning fight turns deadly.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — A 21-year-old U.S. Marine died after being stabbed during an early Sunday morning fight in downtown Wilmington, authorities said, as investigators continue searching for a person of interest linked to the case.
The killing has drawn attention across the coastal city as police work to identify a suspect and piece together what happened during a chaotic series of fights. Officials say multiple violent incidents occurred within minutes of each other, leaving several people injured and raising concerns about safety in the busy nightlife district.
Officers were called to the downtown area around 2 a.m. Sunday after reports of multiple fights breaking out along North Front Street. Police said two men were stabbed during one of the altercations. One of them, Lance Cpl. Daniel Montano, suffered critical injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he later died. A second male victim was also injured but survived after receiving medical treatment.
Montano, 21, was an inventory management specialist assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines Regiment at Camp Lejeune. The Marine Corps confirmed his identity after his death. Originally from San Bernardino, California, Montano had been stationed in eastern North Carolina and was among many service members who frequent Wilmington’s downtown area.
Police said detectives are working to identify a man seen in surveillance images released days after the incident. The individual is described as an adult Black male with a medium build, wearing a light-colored fleece-lined denim jacket, light denim pants, a pink shirt and white sneakers with blue and red accents. He also appeared to have a dark head covering with long hair visible underneath.
Investigators have asked anyone who was in the downtown area between midnight and 3 a.m. that morning to come forward with information. Authorities say cell phone videos, photos, dash camera recordings and business surveillance footage could be key in identifying those involved in the fight.
Police have also confirmed that a separate stabbing occurred nearby around the same time. In that case, a woman suffered life-threatening injuries. Authorities arrested a 20-year-old woman in connection with that incident, but investigators say the two cases do not appear to be related despite their proximity.
The response by officers has come under public scrutiny after a video circulated online showing part of the aftermath. In the footage, a man believed to be Montano is seen bleeding heavily while officers manage the scene. A bystander appears to assist by applying pressure to his wound.
Police officials have not provided detailed public comment on the video but have acknowledged concerns about how the situation was handled. They say the investigation remains active and involves reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses and coordinating with other agencies.
Authorities say the timeline of events remains complex due to the number of people involved and the fast-moving nature of the fights. Detectives are working to determine how the confrontation began, who was involved and whether additional suspects may be identified.
Officials emphasized that identifying the person of interest remains a top priority. They say even small details from witnesses could help build a clearer picture of what happened in the early morning hours.
The Wilmington Police Department has urged anyone with information to contact investigators as the search continues. No charges have been announced in connection with Montano’s death as of Friday.
Authorities said they will release additional information as it becomes available and as the investigation progresses.
Author note: Last updated April 10, 2026.