Crime
Alleged Southport Yacht Basin Suspect Sean DeBevoise Wrote Memoir Headshot: Betrayal of a Nation (Truth Hurts)
SOUTHPORT, N.C. — Authorities are continuing to investigate Saturday night’s mass shooting at the Southport Yacht Basin, where a gunman opened fire from a boat positioned along the Cape Fear River, killing three people and injuring at least nine others before fleeing toward Oak Island.
While law enforcement has not formally released the suspect’s identity, multiple reports have linked the name Nigel Max Edge, formerly known as Sean William DeBevoise, to the case.
A person matching the description of the shooter was detained shortly after the incident and is currently in custody for questioning, according to Southport Public Information Officer ChyAnn Ketchum.
Sean William DeBevoise, who later adopted the name Nigel Edge, is a former U.S. Marine who enlisted following the September 11th attacks.
Military records and personal accounts indicate that he served multiple deployments, including three tours in Afghanistan and a mission to Haiti.
In 2020, DeBevoise published a memoir titled “Headshot: Betrayal of a Nation (Truth Hurts)”. In the book, he recounts his upbringing in New York State, his passion for hunting in the Catskill Mountains with his father, and his pursuit of honor and service. He describes his wrestling years in high school, where he met his future wife Rachel, before joining the Marines.
The memoir details his combat deployment to Iraq in 2005, where he claims he was severely injured in what he describes as a friendly-fire incident. According to DeBevoise’s account, he was struck by four bullets, including one to the head, leaving him with lasting physical and psychological wounds. He alleges he was abandoned by fellow Marines in a warehouse, left to die after killing insurgents in combat.
DeBevoise’s writing conveys both a survivor’s determination and a deep distrust of the institutions he once served. He accuses the U.S. military of betrayal and asserts that his injuries were the result of jealousy and internal conflict rather than the enemy.
Beyond his memoir, DeBevoise—under the name Nigel Edge—became known for a series of unconventional legal filings. Federal court records show he represented himself in multiple lawsuits, many of which were dismissed.
His claims have included allegations of:
Being kidnapped and given a false identity and “planted family.”
Repeated attempts on his life through poisoning of both himself and his dog.
Being forced into sex trafficking, and naming figures such as Jeffrey Epstein, the LGBTQ community, and elements of the U.S. government and military in his accusations.
Tampering by North Carolina law enforcement in relation to his personal cases.
Medical neglect and interference, including altered prescriptions and encouragement of suicide, which he attributed to a “white supremacy–linked LGBTQ network.”
On social media, DeBevoise frequently expressed anger and frustration over what he described as a coordinated effort to silence him.
He also sought public donations to purchase a boat, which he later used for personal ventures.
On the night of the Southport Yacht shooting, witnesses reported a boat lingering in the water for nearly an hour across from the American Fish Company restaurant before gunfire erupted at approximately 9:30 p.m.
The assailant opened fire on patrons at the restaurant, leaving three dead and several injured, before fleeing up the Intracoastal Waterway.
The U.S. Coast Guard later intercepted a suspect matching the shooter’s description at the NE 55th Street public boat ramp in Oak Island.
A spotted dog seen onboard matched images posted previously on DeBevoise’s (Nigel Edge’s) social media.
Sean DeBevoise once attended the 2012 CMT Awards as country singer Kellie Pickler’s date. In later years, he filed a lawsuit against Pickler, alleging that she had attempted to kill him.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect is in custody, though they have not yet released his official identity.
The investigation is ongoing, with the Southport Police Department, State Bureau of Investigation, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, and federal agencies involved.
Southport Police Chief Todd Coring confirmed that four gunshot victims were transported to Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington and two others to Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport.
Southport Public Information Officer ChyAnn Ketchum emphasized that the case remains in the “immediate response stage” and that formal announcements regarding the suspect’s identity and charges will be made directly by the city.
Crime
Who was Jesse Strang? Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Shooting Suspect Identified as Transgender Student
Authorities are continuing to investigate the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that left at least 10 people dead, including multiple victims at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and two individuals at a separate residence connected to the case.
While the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have not formally released the suspect’s identity, the alleged shooter has been identified by a close family member as 17-year-old Jesse Strang, a student at the school.
The outlet stated it spoke with Russell G. Strang, identified as the suspect’s uncle, who claimed that Jesse was responsible for the attack and described the teen as transgender.
Law enforcement has not publicly confirmed these details, and investigators have urged the public to rely on verified information as the case remains active.
According to RCMP, gunfire was first reported at approximately 1:20 p.m. at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Responding officers discovered six victims deceased inside the building, while a seventh victim later died while being transported to a hospital.
Two additional victims were airlifted to regional medical facilities with serious or life-threatening injuries, and roughly 25 others were evaluated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
During the investigation, officers identified what they described as a “secondary location believed to be connected to the incident.” At that residence, police located two additional victims who were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspected gunman is also deceased, reportedly from what investigators believe to be a self-inflicted injury.
“Officers are conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked to today’s events,” the RCMP said in a statement.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed profound sorrow following the tragedy.
“I am devastated by this shooting. I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens,” Carney said.
Tumbler Ridge, a remote community of approximately 2,400 residents in the Northern Rockies region of northeastern British Columbia, is now grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest acts of violence in its history.
Crisis support resources and emergency personnel have been mobilized to assist victims, families, and residents affected by the tragedy.
In the wake of the shooting, strong opinions and commentary have circulated online regarding the suspect’s identity, gender, and possible motives.
Authorities have not established a motive, nor have they confirmed personal details about the suspect. Officials caution against spreading speculation or attributing the attack to any ideology or group without verified evidence.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement works to confirm the suspect’s identity, reconstruct the timeline of events, and determine what factors led to the violence.
Additional updates are expected as authorities continue to gather and verify information.
Officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement and encouraging the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this time of profound loss.