In New Hanover County Superior Court, 47-year-old Davy Spencer pleaded guilty to three counts, including second-degree murder.
As part of a negotiated deal, Spencer also pleaded guilty to two felony assault with a deadly weapon charges, one with the intent to kill, the other with the intent to inflict serious injury.
Spencer took what’s known as an Alford plea, meaning he maintains his innocence but agrees that the available evidence, if presented at trial, would produce a guilty ruling. Alford pleas are treated the same as any other felony conviction.
The case stems from the stabbing death of Lance Corporal Daniel Montano, which occurred on Front Street in the early morning hours of Easter Sunday, April 5. The 21-year-old from San Bernardino, California, was stationed at Camp LeJeune with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment.
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According to a court order signed by Superior Court Judge Richard Kent Harrell, Spencer was sentenced to roughly 21 to 26 years in prison, minus 185 days of time served in detention. Under North Carolina’s structured sentencing law, judges have limited discretion in imposing prison terms.
According to court records, $2,913 in attorney and other fees will be paid back through work release or post-release supervision earnings. Any of Spencer’s belongings seized by law enforcement will be released to his mother.
