Three Killed, Five Injured in North Carolina Bar Shooting

A tragic mass shooting occurred on the night of October 7, 2023, at the American Fish Company in Southport, North Carolina, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to five others. The victims were identified as Joy Rogers, 64, of Southport; Solomon Banjo, 36, of Charlottesville, Virginia; and Michael Durbin, 56, of Galena, Ohio. The shooting has shocked the community, which is located approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Wilmington.

City spokesperson ChyAnn Ketchum confirmed that five additional victims remain hospitalized due to their injuries. The names of those wounded have not been disclosed. Shortly after the incident, authorities arrested Nigel Edge, a 40-year-old former Marine, and charged him with three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted murder, and five weapons-related assault charges. Edge is currently being held without bond at the Brunswick County Jail, with a court appearance scheduled for October 13, 2023.

The shooting unfolded as Edge allegedly approached the bar by boat and opened fire on a group of patrons. Southport Police Chief Todd Coring characterized the event as a “highly premeditated” attack. An arrest warrant indicates that Edge used an AR-style rifle equipped with a silencer and scope during the assault. He was apprehended approximately 30 minutes later after a U.S. Coast Guard crew observed him removing the boat from the water at a nearby ramp on Oak Island, where he resides.

Investigators continue to seek information from witnesses who were at the bar that evening or the day prior. Edge has not yet entered a plea. During a court hearing on October 9, the county’s top prosecutor indicated that Edge has “significant mental health issues,” stemming from a traumatic brain injury he sustained during military service. He reportedly suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and had changed his name from Sean DeBevoise in 2023.

According to District Attorney Jon David, his office is evaluating whether to pursue the death penalty in this case. The family of Joy Rogers described her as a woman deeply influenced by her Christian faith. Originally from California, she had moved to Southport about a year ago to enjoy retirement. Her husband, Lennie Rogers, stated that she had a profound impact on her community in a short time.

Witnesses recounted a vibrant evening at the bar, which quickly turned to chaos. Alisa Noah, who was present, described the atmosphere as joyful before the gunfire interrupted. “Everyone was dancing, having a great time, it was just wonderful,” she recalled. Another patron, Phillip Bowen, initially mistook the sounds of the shooting for fireworks before realizing the severity of the situation.

Bowen, who had previously met Edge and learned about his military background, expressed concern over the struggles Edge faced after returning from service. “It’s obvious he didn’t get enough of that,” Bowen noted, referring to the support veterans often need to reintegrate into civilian life.

Edge’s military service lasted from 2003 to 2009, during which he achieved the rank of sergeant. A 2017 report highlighted his experience as a Marine sniper and detailed his survival after being shot four times during a raid in Iraq in May 2006.

As the investigation progresses, Southport authorities remain focused on uncovering further details about the incident and its impact on the community.