Court appearance delayed for man charged in fatal stabbing of Marine

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A man charged in the fatal stabbing of a U.S. Marine was scheduled to make his first court appearance Monday, but that appearance has been delayed as he remains hospitalized.

47-year-old Davy Spencer was set to appear before a judge in connection with the death of 21-year-old Daniel Montano. However, Spencer is currently being treated for a leg injury.

New Hanover County Chief Public Defender Thomas “Bud” Woodrum has been assigned to represent Spencer.

Spencer faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.

According to the North Carolina Department of Corrections, Spencer has a criminal record dating back to the 1990s and is classified as a habitual felon. His prior convictions include drug possession and distribution, communicating threats, assault on a female, resisting an officer, and possession of stolen property.

He most recently served about 5 years in prison and was released in 2021.

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo praised law enforcement following Spencer’s arrest and said the city is focusing on strengthening its police force.

“Our police department deserves the best, and one of the things we’re talking about in this year’s budget is raising police pay. We think it’s extremely important. Public safety is our number one service delivery as a city, and we have to do everything we can to make sure that those men and women get paid a good salary for the work they do every single day of their lives,” said Saffo.