North Carolina career criminal charged with murder after fatal stabbing of US Marine

A North Carolina man with a lengthy criminal record has been arrested and charged after allegedly stabbing a US Marine to death during a fight in downtown Wilmington.

47-year-old Davy Spencer faces charges of second-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill following the death of 21-year-old Daniel Montano. The attack occurred around 2:00 am during an altercation in downtown Wilmington. Montano was one of two people reportedly stabbed in the confrontation.

The Wilmington Police Department faced backlash following footage of the scene, as officers were seen attempting to break up a fight as Montano was injured on the ground. Officers employed pepper spray as the brawl continued. Moments later, Montano is seen signaling to his neck and seeking help.

One bystander jumped in to help him, including applying pressure to his wound with his shirt, before Montano was transported to a hospital and later pronounced dead. The second stabbing victim was also hospitalized.

Montano was a lance corporal stationed at Camp Lejeune, about 70 miles from the incident site. He served with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines Regiment in Jacksonville.

“He was not only dedicated to his country, but also deeply loved by his family,” his sister wrote in a fundraising page. “To us, he was more than a Marine – he was a son, a brother, and someone who brought so much light into our lives.”

The suspect reportedly had an extensive criminal history with felonies spanning multiple decades. According to WECT 6 News, Spencer was previously convicted on charges including selling heroin and cocaine, as well as possession with intent to sell and deliver controlled substances. In 2015, he was sentenced to 7 to 9 years in prison as a habitual felon.