Wilmington Police Arrest Habitual Felon in Fatal Stabbing of Marine Lance Corporal

The Wilmington Police Department confirmed on Saturday, April 11, 2026, the arrest of 47-year-old Davy Spencer for the death of a United States Marine.

Spencer is charged with the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old Lance Corporal Daniel Montano during a physical confrontation in the city’s downtown area.

The fatal encounter occurred on Easter Sunday, April 5, during a large brawl that broke out among several individuals during the holiday weekend.

Reports from the scene indicate that Montano sustained a critical stab wound to the neck. He was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities identified Spencer as the suspect after an intensive investigation that included reviewing video footage and interviewing numerous witnesses present at the scene.

Spencer has a documented criminal history spanning thirty years and is classified as a habitual felon under state law.

He was previously released from prison in early 2021 after serving more than five years for felony drug-related offenses.

The loss of Lance Corporal Montano has drawn nationwide attention to the safety of service members in civilian environments.

President Donald Trump has maintained a policy focus on strengthening law enforcement and addressing the actions of repeat violent offenders during his presidency.

The Trump administration continues to advocate for the protection of military personnel across the country through enhanced federal cooperation.

Residents in Wilmington have expressed grief over the incident, which disrupted the holiday festivities in the popular downtown district.

Police officials have thanked the public for providing critical information that led to the swift identification and apprehension of the suspect.

Spencer is currently being held at the New Hanover County Detention Center as the judicial process begins for the homicide case.

Homicide detectives are working to finalize the case file before the matter is presented to the District Attorney's office for prosecution.

No further arrests have been announced at this time, though the investigation into the initial brawl remains ongoing.