Crime
Henry Hargis Identified as Suspect in Avalon Fishing Pier Shooting in Kill Devil Hills
KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. — Authorities have identified Henry Hargis, a student at First Flight High School, as the suspect in a deadly shooting that took place Thursday afternoon, July 31, in the parking lot of the Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills.
Zane Hughes Identified as Victim Killed in Avalon Fishing Pier Shooting in Kill Devil Hills
The incident left one teenager dead and another seriously injured.
According to Kill Devil Hills Assistant Chief of Police Dana Harris, officers were dispatched to the pier at approximately 2:37 p.m. following reports of gunfire.
Police arrived on scene in under four minutes.
One male victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second victim—also a male—was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for emergency surgery.
The suspect, who had fled the scene before officers arrived, was quickly identified based on witness statements and vehicle descriptions.
He was apprehended shortly thereafter by Southern Shores Police with the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies.
Harris confirmed the situation is now contained and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the shooting stemmed from a possible altercation. One pier employee stated that the suspect drove around the parking lot before opening fire, striking one victim in the chest.
A second boy, believed to be on vacation and fishing at the pier, was shot in the leg.
The victims are believed to be students from First Flight High School, and the shooting has left the local community deeply shaken.
An emotional witness told Channel2 NOW that one of the victims, a young boy, died in the arms of a bystander named Chrissy. “She called me bawling,” said the source, “She thought it was fireworks at first—then she realized what had happened.” Chrissy reportedly saw the child covered with a sheet, and described the scene as traumatic.
Another witness, Helen Ginter, shared on social media that her friend’s nephew, the boy who was shot in the leg, is currently in surgery. “Please pray for my friend’s nephew,” she wrote. “He was just fishing while on vacation. We’re thankful he’s going to be okay.”
Due to the active investigation and the scene still being processed, the Avalon Fishing Pier parking lot remains blocked off, and no one is being allowed to leave until further notice.
Assistant Chief Harris, a veteran with 48 years of law enforcement experience, stated that he had “never encountered an incident like this” in his career, and called the shooting an isolated incident that is still under active investigation.
In response to the tragedy, Austin Ayers, a Republican congressional candidate for North Carolina’s 3rd District, expressed condolences. “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this incident,” he said. “Please respect first responders at Avalon Pier as they do their jobs. Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 911.”
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, pending family notifications.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.