Full Breakdown
Fatal Stabbing of Marine Daniel Montano Sparks Outrage Over Police Response
4/9/2026, 2:55:35 PM
Incident Overview
On April 5, 2026, a violent altercation in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, resulted in the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old Lance Corporal Daniel Montano, a Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune. The incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m. when multiple fights broke out on North Front Street, leading to Montano and another individual being stabbed. Montano succumbed to his injuries the following day at Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Background and Context
Daniel Montano, originally from San Bernardino, California, served as an inventory management specialist with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. He enlisted in October 2024 and was promoted to lance corporal in December 2025. His death has raised significant concerns regarding the response of the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) to the chaotic scene.
Police Response Under Scrutiny
Footage of the incident has circulated widely on social media, showing Montano bleeding on the sidewalk while officers initially focused on controlling the surrounding chaos. Wilmington Police Chief Ryan Zuidema defended the officers' actions, stating they were assessing the situation and did not immediately know who was a suspect or a victim. He emphasized that one officer was affected by pepper spray and another was following protocol by putting on gloves before assisting Montano.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the police chief's defense, public outrage has grown regarding the perceived inaction of the officers during a critical moment. Critics argue that the video shows a failure to provide immediate assistance to Montano, with a bystander ultimately stepping in to apply pressure to the wound. District Attorney Jason Smith reviewed the footage and stated he did not find any criminal conduct by the officers, but the community remains concerned about police protocols in emergency situations.
Ongoing Investigation
The WPD is actively seeking information about a person of interest connected to Montano's stabbing. This individual is described as an adult Black male with a medium build, wearing a light-colored fleece-lined denim jacket, light-colored denim pants, a pink shirt, and white sneakers with blue and red accents. The police have urged anyone with information or evidence from the night of the incident to come forward.
Separate Incident and Arrest
In a separate but related incident that occurred just minutes later, a 22-year-old woman was also stabbed and sustained life-threatening injuries. Jazya Muldrow-Green, 20, has been arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill in connection with that stabbing. Authorities believe the two stabbings are unrelated.
What's Next
The investigation into Montano's death continues, with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation taking over the case. The officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave as the community seeks answers and accountability regarding the police response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They don’t know who’s a suspect, who’s a victim.” — Ryan Zuidema, Wilmington Police Chief
- “I understand what the concerns are, but I can tell you that the officers did certainly the best they could under the circumstances.” — Ryan Zuidema, Wilmington Police Chief
- “To us, he was more than a Marine — he was a son, a brother, and someone who brought so much light into our lives,” she wrote.” — Evelyn Montano, Sister of Daniel Montano
