The Southport Yacht Basin shooting on September 27, 2025, that left three dead and six injured, has not only shocked the tight-knit community of Southport, North Carolina, but also raised disturbing questions about the alleged shooter, Sean William DeBevoise, who went by the name Nigel Max Edge. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have confirmed that the 40-year-old former U.S. Marine is the primary suspect in the mass shooting that occurred at the American Fish Company restaurant in the Southport Yacht Basin. The incident, which saw the suspect open fire from a boat, has now garnered widespread attention due to DeBevoise’s troubling past, his history of bizarre lawsuits, and his self-published book that alleges military betrayal.

As details of DeBevoise’s life begin to surface, it becomes clear that his personal history is filled with pain, trauma, and a deep sense of injustice. His journey—from military service to a series of increasingly paranoid claims—has culminated in a violent act that has left the Southport community grappling with the fallout.

The Southport Yacht Basin Shooting: A Timeline of Tragedy

The shooting occurred on Saturday night, just before 9:30 p.m. at the American Fish Company restaurant, located in the Southport Yacht Basin. Witnesses described hearing multiple rounds of gunfire coming from a boat that lingered near the restaurant for almost an hour before the attack began. The shooter, later identified as Sean William DeBevoise (Nigel Max Edge), opened fire on the restaurant’s patrons, killing three people and injuring six others.

Following the attack, the gunman fled the scene and navigated his boat up the Intracoastal Waterway toward Oak Island. The suspect was later connected to the boat seen at the 55th Street boat launch on Oak Island, where social media photos confirmed the boat’s presence. Authorities have confirmed that the boat used in the attack was purchased by DeBevoise through a GoFundMe campaign, in which he raised nearly $18,500 to start a fishing business.

DeBevoise’s Background: A Troubling Past

Sean William DeBevoise, who legally changed his name to Nigel Max Edge, is a man with a deeply troubled background. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after the 9/11 attacks, serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. During his deployment, he was reportedly shot multiple times, including a gunshot wound to the head, resulting in severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries, along with other medical conditions, led to a diagnosis of schizophrenia and disorganized thinking.

DeBevoise has long been vocal about his struggles, both physical and mental. He claims that his military service, particularly his experiences in Iraq, left him traumatized and betrayed by the government. In one of his most public statements, he wrote in his self-published memoir, Headshot: Betrayal of a Nation (Truth Hurts), about the violence he endured, including being injured by friendly fire. He describes a horrific incident during which he was allegedly abandoned by his own men, left to die in a warehouse, and later subjected to what he believes was a deliberate campaign to destroy his life.

Allegations of Conspiracy, Lawsuits, and Paranoia

DeBevoise’s mental state has been a focal point for both his supporters and detractors. His history of filing lawsuits, many of which were dismissed for failing to state a claim, paints a picture of a man who feels persecuted and victimized by both the military and various other institutions. Over the years, DeBevoise has filed multiple bizarre lawsuits, including claims that he was a victim of sex trafficking, drugging, and attempted murder. He also alleges that there is a conspiracy involving figures like Jeffrey Epstein, the LGBTQ community, and various government entities.

One of DeBevoise’s most controversial lawsuits was filed in 2024 (7:2024cv01086), where he accused the U.S. military and government agencies of being complicit in a “white supremacist LGBTQ pedophile ring.” This lawsuit, along with others, cites incidents like the Abu Ghraib prison scandal and accuses the military of civil rights violations during the Iraq War. His legal battles paint a picture of someone struggling with extreme paranoia and an overwhelming sense of injustice, which many believe could have played a role in his violent outburst at the Southport Yacht Basin.

DeBevoise’s latest lawsuit, filed on July 25, 2025, against Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center and individual doctors, further underscores his paranoia. The lawsuit claims that medical professionals intentionally hindered his care due to LGBTQ bias. These personal grievances have fueled DeBevoise’s view that he is a victim of a larger conspiracy, contributing to his downward spiral into violence.

DeBevoise’s Book: Headshot: Betrayal of a Nation

One of the most revealing aspects of DeBevoise’s past is his self-published memoir, Headshot: Betrayal of a Nation (Truth Hurts), which details his life, military service, and the alleged betrayal he experienced. The book is described by DeBevoise as an exposé of the U.S. military’s treatment of soldiers and detainees during the Iraq War. The memoir paints a grim picture of his experiences, including his claim that he was left for dead in a warehouse by fellow Marines and later subjected to physical and mental abuse.

While the book has gained some attention for its controversial claims, many have dismissed it as the ramblings of a man consumed by anger and conspiracy theories. The book’s description includes claims of DeBevoise being shot four times during his military service, including a gunshot wound to the head, which he says was caused by friendly fire. He describes the subsequent trauma and his belief that the U.S. military deliberately sabotaged his life.

A Troubled Mental State and the Road to Violence

DeBevoise’s background and legal history suggest a man struggling with severe mental health issues. His claims of betrayal, conspiracy, and abuse have become a driving force in his life, shaping his worldview and possibly leading to the violent outburst at the Southport Yacht Basin. The fact that DeBevoise ran a GoFundMe campaign to purchase the boat used in the shooting adds a layer of complexity to the case, suggesting that he was planning some sort of new life or business venture when his mental health seemingly took a violent turn.

While investigators continue to piece together the details of the shooting, it is clear that DeBevoise’s past plays a central role in understanding the incident. His history of filing lawsuits, publishing his memoir, and voicing his grievances against the government and military paints a picture of a man who was increasingly isolated and consumed by his own sense of persecution. Whether this contributed to his actions during the shooting remains to be seen, but it provides critical context for the tragedy that unfolded.

Ongoing Investigation and Questions About Motive

As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities have not yet determined a clear motive for DeBevoise’s actions. Police are actively questioning a person of interest, but no formal arrests have been made as of the latest update. The shooting has left the community of Southport shaken, and officials have vowed to continue their investigation to uncover the full extent of what led to the attack.

Police Chief Todd Coring confirmed that authorities are investigating two crime scenes—one at the restaurant and another on Oak Island, where the suspect’s boat was found. Coring stated that it is still too early to determine whether DeBevoise’s actions were premeditated or a result of a sudden emotional outburst, but the investigation remains ongoing.

Conclusion: A Tragic and Complex Case

The Southport Yacht Basin shooting has left three people dead, several others injured, and a community grappling with the aftermath. The investigation into the suspect, Sean William DeBevoise (Nigel Max Edge), is still in its early stages, but the background of the alleged shooter has already painted a troubling picture of a man consumed by conspiracy theories, mental illness, and a long-standing sense of betrayal. As authorities continue their investigation, questions about DeBevoise’s motivations, mental state, and past grievances will likely remain at the center of the case.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of mental health, the dangers of untreated trauma, and the devastating consequences when an individual’s personal struggles spiral into violence. For now, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the shooting and bringing justice to those affected by the tragedy.