The military man who was fatally stabbed Saturday in Waikiki was identified today by the Marines as a Tennessee native.

Sgt. William Brown, 23, served as an 81 mm mortarman, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force based on Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe, according to a statement by the 3rd Marine Division.

Lt. Col. Steven Eastin, battalion commander, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, said in the statement that Brown was a “beloved” member of the unit and had been in the unit for five years.

“He had qualities we value in our Marine non-commissioned officers,” he said. “His death is tragic and the battalion joins his family in grief. He will always be loved and remembered.”

Police said Brown was with a group of people when a verbal exchange escalated into a altercation and Brown was stabbed multiple times at the corner of Royal Hawaiian and Kalakaua avenues. Several people fled the scene, but three people were arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred about 1 a.m. A 21-year-old man and two teens, a boy and a girl between the ages of 14 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.

The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office said Brown died of a stab wound to the chest.

Brown joined the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines on Nov. 17, 2012 and was promoted to sergeant on Oct. 1.

His personal awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, the Marines said.

The Marines are cooperating with Honolulu police in the investigation. Police asked anyone with information about the incident to call 911 or CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.