Crime
Nigel Max Edge Identified as Suspect in American Fish Company Shooting at Southport Yacht Basin
SOUTHPORT, N.C. — Authorities have identified the suspect in Saturday night’s mass shooting at the American Fish Company in the Southport Yacht Basin as 40-year-old Nigel Max Edge of Oak Island, North Carolina.
Edge, a former U.S. Marine veteran, is accused of opening 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 say patrons were dining and socializing at the popular waterfront restaurant when shots suddenly rang out, creating chaos along the busy marina district.
Investigators confirm that Edge, who was accompanied by a spotted dog on board, allegedly used a short-barrel AR-style rifle equipped with a suppressor, folding stock, and scope to carry out the attack.
Following the shooting, he fled by boat toward Oak Island.
The U.S. Coast Guard later detained a man matching his description at the NE 55th Street public boat ramp, taking him into custody without further incident. He is currently being held at the Brunswick County Jail without bond.
According to court filings, Edge faces 13 felony charges, including:
- Three counts of first-degree murder
- Five counts of attempted first-degree murder
- Five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury
Authorities continue to investigate whether additional charges will follow as evidence is processed.
Warrants also list Edge’s Oak Island residence on NW 10th Street. Satellite and Google images of the property reportedly show a boat named “Game On” parked in his driveway.
Photos taken at the scene of the Southport shooting appear to show the same boat moored in the Yacht Basin during the attack.
Nigel Max Edge was born Sean William DeBevoise before later adopting the name he now uses.
Following the September 11th attacks, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving multiple tours in Afghanistan and Haiti, as well as a deployment to Iraq in 2005–2006.
During his Iraq deployment, Edge was seriously wounded in combat, claiming to have survived a friendly-fire incident in which he was struck four times, including once in the head. His military injuries left him with lasting physical and psychological trauma.
He briefly entered the public eye in 2012 when he was invited by country singer Kellie Pickler to attend the CMT Music Awards as her date, in recognition of his service and later sued her.
Edge also authored a memoir in 2020, titled Headshot: Betrayal of a Nation (Truth Hurts), in which he described his upbringing in New York State, his service in the Marines, and his deep disillusionment with the military. The book alleges that he was betrayed by his own comrades and abandoned on the battlefield.
In recent years, Edge (formerly DeBevoise) gained a reputation for filing numerous unconventional lawsuits, most of which were dismissed. Federal and state court records show he frequently represented himself.
Across legal documents and social media posts, he claimed:
He was given a false identity and a “fake family.”
He survived multiple assassination attempts and poisonings, including the killing of his dog.
He was forced into sex trafficking, naming high-profile figures such as Jeffrey Epstein, along with alleged ties to the LGBTQ community and elements of U.S. law enforcement and the military.
North Carolina police tampered with evidence and obstructed his access to justice.
Doctors and medical providers deliberately interfered with his treatment, altering medications and encouraging self-harm.
In his writings, he often linked these claims to what he described as an “LGBTQ white-supremacy network” working against him.
According to Southport Police Chief Todd Coring, Edge’s boat lingered in the Cape Fear River for nearly an hour before the shooting began.
Around 9:30 p.m., Edge allegedly opened fire directly toward the American Fish Company, striking patrons at the restaurant and along the marina.
Emergency response was immediate. Four victims were transported to Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, while two others were taken to Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport.
Despite efforts, three victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene or in hospital care.
Brunswick County District Attorney Jon David confirmed that multiple agencies—including the SBI, ATF, and Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office—are assisting Southport Police in the investigation.
Southport Public Information Officer ChyAnn Ketchum reported that the suspect was quickly detained and that there is no further credible threat to the public.
“This investigation remains in its immediate-response phase,” Ketchum said. “Further updates, including formal suspect identification and charges, will be provided by the City of Southport as they become available.”
Police continue to urge anyone with information to contact the Southport Police Department at (910) 457-7911.
On January 28, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers assigned to the Northern District responded to a reported shooting at the Northrop Grumman facility located in the 7300 block of Aviation Boulevard in Linthicum, Maryland.
Upon arrival, officers determined that the scene had already been secured by the Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MDTA), who had the suspected shooter in custody.
Preliminary findings indicate the incident stemmed from a dispute between two contracted security guards working inside the facility.
During the altercation, one of the guards discharged a firearm, striking the other.
The victim was identified as 37-year-old Joseph Keith Aman of Baltimore, Maryland. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities stated that a third contracted security guard intervened during the incident, successfully disarming the suspect and detaining him until law enforcement arrived.
Investigators confirmed the shooting was an isolated incident and did not involve any Northrop Grumman employees.
There was no ongoing threat to the public or the facility following the incident.
Anne Arundel County Police Department Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation.
Detectives conducted multiple witness interviews, while Evidence Collection Unit technicians processed the scene and recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Dylan Blake Chandler of Pasadena, Maryland.
He has been formally charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and additional related offenses.
Northrop Grumman issued a statement acknowledging the incident, saying:
“We are aware of an isolated incident involving two contractors at one of our Baltimore-area facilities. We are cooperating fully with local law enforcement as they investigate the matter. The safety of our employees and contractors across all facilities remains our top priority.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Although an arrest has been made, detectives are continuing to gather information.
Anyone with knowledge related to the incident is urged to contact the Anne Arundel County Police Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact the county’s tip line at 410-222-4700.
Further updates will be released as additional information becomes available.