Three people lost their lives and five others were wounded in a mass shooting Saturday night at a waterfront bar in Southport. Authorities have now released the names of the deceased and provided further details about the unfolding investigation.
The victims were identified as Joy Rogers, 64, of Southport, N.C.; Solomon Banjo, 36, of Charlottesville, Va.; and Michael Durbin, 56, of Galena, Ohio. Rogers had recently relocated to Southport with her husband to enjoy a quieter life. Her family described her as deeply faithful, warm, and generous; in just a short time, she “touched countless lives.”
The violence erupted around 9:30 p.m. at the American Fish Company, a popular waterfront bar located near the Southport Yacht Basin. Authorities say the shooter, identified as 40-year-old Nigel Edge, approached on a boat—pulled up close to shore—fired into the crowd, then fled. He was captured roughly 30 minutes later by the U.S. Coast Guard as he attempted to retrieve his boat from a public ramp in nearby Oak Island. Law enforcement described the attack as “highly premeditated” and noted that the location was “targeted.”
Edge has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted murder, and weapons-related offenses. He remains in custody without bond. During early court proceedings, prosecutors flagged significant mental health concerns, noting that Edge reportedly suffers from combat-related PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Edge had previously changed his name—from Sean DeBevoise to Nigel Edge in 2023—and officials say he had minor prior interactions with law enforcement but nothing that had flagged him as a high risk. District Attorney Jon David has stated his office is weighing whether to pursue the death penalty.
The attack stunned the coastal community, which is usually a tranquil setting of bars, restaurants, and waterways. Witnesses described a lively night of music and dancing abruptly shattered by gunfire. Local officials, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Coast Guard are collaborating on evidence collection and witness outreach. Authorities are still inviting anyone who was at the bar on Saturday or leading up to it to come forward with information. One of the wounded patrons was a performing musician at the venue, who was grazed by a bullet but survived.
Meanwhile, local shops and restaurants have closed temporarily, and vigils and community support efforts have begun. The state’s governor visited the site and spoke about mental health reform and gun legislation amid the ongoing grief.
