Tuesday 3:45 p.m. — This story has been updated with a comment from the U.S. Marines.
According to the Wilmington Police Department, there were two separate stabbing incidents in downtown Wilmington in the early hours of Sunday, April 5. Downtown business employees told WHQR there was police tape up early Sunday morning.
WECT first reported on the stabbings on Sunday afternoon. WPD issues a press release on the incident on Monday shortly before noon.
At 2:10 a.m., shortly after last call, officers responded to a "large fight" on the 100 block of North Front Street. According to WPD, "officers located two adult males suffering from stab wounds. Both males were transported to Novant NHRMC with serious injuries."
Two minutes later, officers responded to a second find — which WPD said was "unrelated" — on North Front Street between Market and Princess streets. According to WPD, officers "located an adult female suffering from stab wounds. She was also transported to Novant NHRMC with life-threatening injuries."
On Tuesday afternoon, the 2nd Marine Division, stationed at Camp LeJuene, confirmed one of the injured men, a U.S. Marine, had passed away from his injuries.
"2d Marine Division can confirm that at approximately 2:00 a.m. on April 5th, a Marine was injured during an altercation in Wilmington, NC, and as of April 6th, has unfortunately passed away due to the injuries sustained. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Marine's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. No further details can be released at this time pending a 24-hour Next of Kin notification period. The investigation into the incident is currently ongoing, led by the Wilmington Police Department," a spokesperson wrote in an email.
WPD said the incidents were not believed to be connected, and the investigation is ongoing. WPD asked anyone with information to contact the Wilmington Police Department at (910) 343-3600 or submit tips anonymously through Tip411.
