In a chilling and tragic event that has shaken the Southport, North Carolina community, 40-year-old Nigel Max Edge, also known by the name Sean William DeBevoise, has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting that took place late Saturday night at the American Fish Company restaurant located in the Southport Yacht Basin. This horrifying incident resulted in the deaths of three innocent individuals and left several others wounded, creating a nightmare scenario for patrons who were simply out enjoying their night.

Edge, a former U.S. Marine, allegedly opened fire while aboard his boat, with his dog accompanying him on board. According to reports, Edge used a short-barrel AR rifle equipped with a suppressor, folding stock, and scope, further highlighting the severity and precision of the attack. The authorities were able to apprehend Edge after he fled the scene and launched an extensive investigation into the tragic incident.

The Crime: A Night of Horror at the American Fish Company

On the night of September 27, 2025, patrons at the American Fish Company in Southport were enjoying their meals and the tranquil atmosphere of the Southport Yacht Basin when chaos suddenly erupted. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing a boat positioned in the Cape Fear River across from the restaurant before the gunman opened fire on those enjoying their evening.

The assailant, later identified as Nigel Max Edge, killed three people and wounded several others during the attack. Edge fled the scene in his boat, and a manhunt was launched to find him. According to law enforcement, the suspect was later captured after fleeing toward Oak Island, and his arrest marked the beginning of a thorough investigation into both his background and the tragic events of that night.

At the time of his arrest, Edge was in possession of a boat that matched the description provided by witnesses. In fact, photos taken of the boat at the scene of the shooting appeared to show the same vessel seen at Edge’s home. This discovery was instrumental in linking him to the shooting, as law enforcement pieced together the clues leading to his identification and subsequent capture.

Charges Against Nigel Max Edge

As the investigation continued, Edge was charged with a series of serious crimes related to the Southport shooting. Court documents revealed that he faces a total of 13 felony counts, which include three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury. These charges reflect the severity of the crime and the gravity of the consequences faced by those involved.

A search warrant revealed that Edge used a short-barrel AR rifle during the attack. This weapon, equipped with a suppressor, folding stock, and scope, is typically used for precision shooting, further suggesting that Edge was methodical and deliberate in carrying out the massacre. The fact that Edge was able to fire with such accuracy and intent has raised many questions about his mental state leading up to the incident.

Edge remains in custody without bond at the Brunswick County Jail, and the investigation continues as law enforcement officials examine every angle of the case. With numerous unanswered questions surrounding Edge’s motives, a full understanding of what led to the mass shooting is yet to be uncovered.

The Man Behind the Attack: Who Is Nigel Max Edge?

As the details surrounding the tragic shooting emerge, more information has come to light regarding the life of the man behind the attack, Nigel Max Edge.

Edge, who was born as Sean William DeBevoise, has a documented history that includes his service as a U.S. Marine. Enlisting after the September 11, 2001 attacks, Edge’s military background includes multiple deployments, including three tours in Afghanistan and a mission to Haiti. These deployments exposed him to combat situations that would later have a profound impact on his life. In 2005, during his time in Iraq, Edge was reportedly severely injured in a friendly-fire incident, leaving him with lasting physical and psychological wounds.

According to his memoir, Headshot: Betrayal of a Nation (Truth Hurts), Edge claims to have been abandoned by fellow Marines after sustaining the injuries during the attack, leaving him to die alone in a warehouse. In his book, Edge expresses his deep anger and distrust of the U.S. military, accusing it of betrayal and citing internal conflicts among his comrades as the reason for his injuries.

Edge’s memoir provides insight into the complex psychological state he may have been in leading up to the mass shooting. His writing details the trauma he endured and the perceived betrayal by those he had once considered comrades. The impact of these experiences likely played a significant role in his descent into a darker mindset. However, his claims of abandonment and conspiracy within the military, including the suggestion that his injuries were the result of jealousy, have raised questions about his mental health.

A History of Mental Illness and Bizarre Lawsuits

Along with his military history, Edge has a troubling history of legal actions and bizarre lawsuits. Over the years, Edge filed several legal claims, many of which were dismissed by courts. These lawsuits range from accusations of being kidnapped and given a false identity to claims of forced involvement in sex trafficking and poisonings. In these filings, Edge named various figures, including high-profile personalities like Jeffrey Epstein, as part of his allegations. He also claimed that the U.S. government and military were involved in these conspiracies, which only served to further highlight his erratic behavior.

In his later years, Edge went by the name Nigel Max Edge, but his background as Sean William DeBevoise continued to influence his actions. His increasing paranoia, compounded by his military trauma and mental health struggles, likely contributed to the instability that led to the shooting. Law enforcement has yet to determine the full extent of his mental illness and how it may have contributed to the deadly shooting at Southport. However, the pattern of bizarre lawsuits and his claims of being targeted by powerful entities suggest that Edge may have been living in a state of severe psychological distress leading up to the attack.

The Infamous Date with Kellie Pickler

Adding another layer of intrigue to Edge’s story is his brief connection to country singer Kellie Pickler. In 2012, Edge, then known as Sean William DeBevoise, attended the CMT Awards as Pickler’s date. However, their relationship was short-lived, and in subsequent years, Edge filed a lawsuit against Pickler, claiming that she had attempted to kill him. This bizarre claim is just one example of Edge’s increasingly erratic behavior and his tendency to lash out at people he believed had wronged him.

Edge’s interactions with Pickler are just one piece of his troubled history, but they provide a glimpse into the mindset of a man who had a history of unstable relationships and a willingness to pursue litigation against those he perceived as enemies. His connection to Pickler, and his later legal action against her, adds an unsettling dimension to his personal history.

The Boat and the “Game On” Connection

A crucial piece of evidence in linking Edge to the Southport shooting was his boat, which was photographed at both his Oak Island home and at the scene of the shooting. The boat, bearing the words “Game On” written near the bow, was an unmistakable identifier. Investigators were able to connect these images through Google Maps and images from the scene, confirming that the boat seen at the crime scene was the same one found at Edge’s residence.

The presence of the boat, as well as the connection to Edge, provided a clear lead for law enforcement. It is believed that the boat may have been used by Edge to transport himself to the Southport Yacht Basin on the night of the shooting, where he carried out the attack. The significance of the boat as a key piece of evidence cannot be overstated, as it directly tied Edge to the scene and helped solidify the case against him.

The Ongoing Investigation

As of now, Nigel Max Edge remains in custody at the Brunswick County Jail, facing multiple serious charges, including three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury. Law enforcement is continuing their investigation into the incident, working to uncover the full motive behind the shooting and to determine how Edge’s mental state may have influenced his actions.

The public’s understanding of the case is still unfolding, and as more details emerge, the questions surrounding Edge’s history, his mental health, and the tragedy at the Southport Yacht Basin will continue to come into sharper focus. Investigators are working diligently to piece together the timeline of events that led to the shooting, and the community remains on edge as they await further developments.

Conclusion: A Community in Shock

The mass shooting at Southport’s American Fish Company has left the community in shock, as three innocent lives were tragically lost and several others were injured. The identity of the shooter, Nigel Max Edge, has raised many questions about his background and his mental state. With his history of mental illness, military trauma, and bizarre lawsuits, it is clear that Edge’s life was marked by instability and anger.

As the investigation into the events of that fateful night continues, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. For now, the focus remains on understanding what led to this tragedy, and ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families. The arrest of Nigel Max Edge may have brought an end to his reign of terror, but the impact of his actions will be felt for a long time to come.