Daniel Montano, a 21-year-old U.S. Marine from San Bernardino, California, has died after being fatally stabbed during a fight in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Montano, a lance corporal with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Division based at Camp Lejeune, was among two men stabbed during multiple fights reported around 2 a.m. on April 5 in the 1300 block of Corbett Street.
Officers with the Wilmington Police Department responded to the scene following reports of the disturbance. Montano later succumbed to his injuries on April 6.
Montano served as an inventory management specialist. He enlisted on October 21, 2024, joined his unit on March 25, 2025, and was promoted to lance corporal on December 1, 2025.
Authorities identified and arrested Amarqeono Brown, an 18-year-old from Leland, North Carolina, in connection with the deadly stabbing.
Investigators had earlier released surveillance images of a person of interest and are urging anyone who was in the downtown Wilmington area between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. on April 5 to come forward with any relevant information, including photos, videos, or surveillance footage.
The Wilmington Police Department extended condolences to Montano’s family and loved ones as the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det. Childress with the Wilmington Police Department at 910-343-3686.
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