Southport, NC — A tragic mass shooting at the Southport Yacht Basin Saturday night has left three people dead and nine others injured, prompting an intensive investigation by local law enforcement and the FBI.
The shooting erupted just after 9:30 p.m. at the American Fish Company restaurant, a popular waterfront venue. Witnesses said a gunman opened fire from a boat on the Cape Fear River, targeting patrons and employees before fleeing toward Oak Island.
The Suspect: Troubled Past Emerges
While officials have not yet formally confirmed the suspect’s identity, public records and multiple reports link the attack to Nigel Max Edge, who formerly went by Sean William DeBevoise.
Edge’s past is marked by controversy, paranoia, and unusual legal disputes. He previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps, deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq, but later claimed betrayal and mistreatment by the military. He filed lawsuits alleging friendly-fire incidents and conspiracies against him, most of which were dismissed.
He also gained attention for a bizarre legal battle with country singer Kellie Pickler, whom he once dated. Edge accused her of conspiring to kill him—a claim widely discredited but reflective of his increasingly erratic behavior.
In recent years, Edge published a memoir filled with conspiratorial allegations, adding to concerns about his state of mind.
The Shooting
Witnesses reported that the shooter wore a black hat, jeans, and camouflage shirt while firing multiple rounds from his boat into the restaurant’s crowd. Panic spread as people scrambled for cover.
By the end of the attack, three victims were pronounced dead and nine others were rushed to area hospitals with injuries ranging from critical to stable.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and local police, have been reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to confirm the suspect’s role and determine whether others were involved.
Motive Still Unclear
Investigators have not released a motive. Authorities are examining whether the shooting was a random act of violence, a targeted attack, or an outburst tied to the suspect’s history of paranoia and grievances.
The suspect fled by boat, and his exact whereabouts remain under investigation.
Community in Shock
The attack has deeply shaken Southport, a community known for its vibrant waterfront and tourism. Mayor Aaron Valdez issued a statement offering condolences to the victims’ families and pledging full cooperation with federal and state investigators.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” Valdez said. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this senseless act of violence.”
Moving Forward
The Southport Yacht Basin shooting underscores growing concerns about the intersection of untreated mental health issues and public safety. As investigators work to piece together the suspect’s background and motivations, the focus remains on providing answers for the victims’ families and bringing accountability to those responsible.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Southport Police Department or the FBI tip line as the investigation continues.
