SOUTHPORT, N.C. — Authorities have confirmed that 40-year-old Nigel Max Edge of Oak Island has been identified as the suspect in Saturday night’s mass shooting at the American Fish Company in the Southport Yacht Basin.
Investigators say Edge, a former U.S. Marine veteran, opened fire from a boat anchored on the Cape Fear River around 9:30 p.m., killing three people and injuring at least nine others. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as patrons dining at the popular waterfront restaurant scrambled for cover when shots rang out.
Police report Edge allegedly used a short-barrel AR-style rifle with a suppressor, folding stock, and scope. He fled by boat toward Oak Island before being detained by the U.S. Coast Guard at the NE 55th Street public boat ramp. He is being held without bond at the Brunswick County Jail on 13 felony charges, including:
3 counts of first-degree murder
5 counts of attempted first-degree murder
5 counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury
Court documents link Edge’s Oak Island home to the investigation, with photos showing a boat named “Game On” that matches a vessel seen at the shooting scene.
Edge, born Sean William DeBevoise, served multiple Marine deployments in Afghanistan, Haiti, and Iraq, where he was seriously wounded in combat. His later life included a memoir, unconventional lawsuits, and controversial public claims.
Authorities say the investigation remains active, with the SBI, ATF, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, and Southport Police working jointly.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Southport Police Department at (910) 457-7911.
