WILMINGTON — The man who died Wednesday in a stabbing near the mall has been identified by law enforcement as 47-year-old Anthony Todd Lane of Wilmington.
Lane perished from his injuries after being wounded in the 1800 block wooded area of Independence Boulevard on April 22. Officers arrested 35-year-old David Eugene Bryan Jr. of Castle Hayne with second degree murder; Bryan is being held at the New Hanover County Detention Facility under no bond.
READ MORE: Man dies after being stabbed near the mall
Bryan also faces a probation violation. According to court documents, he received a suspended sentence in Brunswick County last November, on charges of larceny of a dog and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
In court on Thursday, it was revealed Bryan Jr. and Lane, both homeless, knew one another. Bryan Jr. allegedly was stealing items from a wooded area near Independence Mall on Wednesday when he told law enforcement someone, who was unsure who, came at him with a stick. He pulled out a box cutter and swung it, unknowing if it struck the other person; Lane had lacerations to his chest and throat.
Blood was found on Bryan Jr.’s bag and shoes when he appeared in the parking lot of the mall as law enforcement were assessing the scene. Bryan Jr.’s girlfriend had called police and said she saw an injured Lane exiting a wooded area, as she was sifting through a donation bin in the mall parking lot, while her boyfriend, Bryan Jr., went into the woods.
Police responded to the call around 4 p.m. and helped Lane at the scene. WPD clarified in a release “no crime occurred on mall property.” EMS transferred Lane to Novant NHRMC, where he passed away.
WPD Criminal Investigation Division found evidence related to the investigation in the roadway; in order to secure it, Independence Boulevard had to be blocked off between Oleander Drive and Canterbury Road.
“We recognize this occurred during peak travel hours and appreciate the public’s patience as officers worked to safely process the scene,” WPD indicated in a release.
The department also sent prayers to the Lane family for their loss.
Lane’s family spoke to WECT on Thursday calling Anthony Todd’s death “a devastating loss.”
“It’s important that the community recognizes he was a human being first and foremost,” they released to the broadcast outlet. “This tragedy has left a hole in our family that can never be filled.”
The incident remains an active investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Wilmington Police Department at (910) 343-3600 or submit tips anonymously through Tip 411.
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