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.
Norfolk, Virginia — Authorities have identified the instructor killed during Thursday’s shooting at Old Dominion University as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a retired U.S. Army officer who had returned to the university to serve as an instructor with its Army ROTC program.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:43 a.m. on the university’s campus in Norfolk. Police responded after receiving multiple emergency calls reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect—identified by authorities as Mohammed Jalloh—entered the building and walked through the hallway before approaching a classroom where an Army ROTC session was underway.
The suspect reportedly asked individuals inside whether he had arrived at an ROTC class. When someone confirmed that it was, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally shooting the class instructor.
Voorhees University confirmed in a public Facebook statement that the victim was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, noting the tragedy has personal ties to the institution.
“This tragedy is felt especially close to home for us, as the victim, Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, was the son-in-law of Voorhees University Trustee and alumnus Dr. Dan Martin,” the university wrote in its statement. “We lift Dr. Martin and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.”
Shah was a native of Staunton and began his military career by enlisting in the United States Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist.
In 2005, he enrolled at Old Dominion University, where he later received his Army commission in 2007. Shah graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in military science.
Following his commissioning, Shah served extensively in Army aviation. According to his alumni profile at ODU, he earned the Army Aviation Senior Aviator wings, logging more than 1,200 flight hours across three different aircraft and accumulating over 600 combat flight hours during his service.
In addition to his undergraduate degree, Shah pursued advanced education, earning an MBA from University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from University of Kansas.
Throughout his military career, Shah received numerous awards and distinctions. Among them were the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
His alumni biography also described him as a strong advocate for minority and veteran business education, highlighting his involvement in initiatives that support diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship. In addition to his professional work, Shah volunteered his time to assist underserved communities.
Shah returned to his alma mater in summer 2022 to serve as an instructor and help lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion at Old Dominion University. In that role, he mentored and trained students pursuing military leadership careers.
University officials and members of the campus community have expressed deep sorrow over his death, remembering Shah as a dedicated officer, educator, and mentor whose service and leadership had a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the suspect’s motive, and the investigation remains active.