A tragic mass shooting at the Southport Yacht Basin in North Carolina on Saturday night, September 27, 2025, has left three dead and nine others injured, sparking an intense investigation by local authorities and the FBI. The shooting, which occurred at the American Fish Company restaurant, has raised questions about the identity and motivations of the alleged gunman, whose name has been widely linked to Nigel Max Edge, formerly known as Sean William DeBevoise.

Though law enforcement has yet to officially release the suspect’s name, a series of reports and public records have connected Nigel Max Edge to the shooting. Edge, who previously went by Sean DeBevoise, has a troubled and bizarre history, including legal battles and accusations involving public figures, notably country singer Kellie Pickler. His background, which includes claims of betrayal by the military and participation in high-profile legal disputes, has added a disturbing layer to the investigation, leading many to question whether his troubled past played a role in this violent act.

The Southport Yacht Basin Shooting: A Deadly Attack

The shooting unfolded just after 9:30 p.m. at the popular American Fish Company restaurant located in the Southport Yacht Basin. According to witnesses, a gunman opened fire from a boat positioned in the Cape Fear River, targeting the restaurant’s patrons and employees. The gunman, who has been identified in various reports as Nigel Max Edge (formerly Sean William DeBevoise), fired multiple rounds, killing three people and injuring at least nine others.

Witnesses reported that the shooter’s boat remained in the vicinity for some time before fleeing toward Oak Island after the attack. Law enforcement and federal agencies, including the FBI, have been investigating the incident, reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses to identify the gunman and uncover the motive behind the attack.

Unconfirmed Suspect: Nigel Max Edge (Formerly Sean William DeBevoise)

The suspect’s name has not yet been officially confirmed by authorities, but numerous reports and legal records have pointed to Nigel Max Edge, a man who has legally changed his name from Sean William DeBevoise. This name change is just one of many perplexing aspects of his life, which has been marked by strange claims and legal battles that have raised eyebrows across the country.

Military Background and Legal Disputes

DeBevoise enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps following the events of 9/11, serving multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, his military service, which he describes as filled with betrayal and trauma, appears to have had a profound impact on his mental health. DeBevoise has filed numerous lawsuits, accusing the military of wrongful treatment, including claims of friendly fire incidents during his service in Iraq, where he says he was left for dead by his own men.

His military background and the emotional toll of his service have led DeBevoise to make a series of troubling allegations, including claims that the U.S. government, CIA, and military officials were involved in a vast conspiracy against him. These accusations, which include being the target of poisoning attempts and other forms of mistreatment, have shaped his public narrative, and he has become known for filing bizarre lawsuits that have been largely dismissed for lack of evidence.

Relationship with Kellie Pickler: A Legal Battle and Attempted Murder Claim

One of the most bizarre chapters of DeBevoise’s life involves his alleged connection to country singer Kellie Pickler. DeBevoise attended the 2012 CMT Awards as Pickler’s date, but their relationship soon soured. DeBevoise later sued Pickler, claiming that she had attempted to murder him. While the details of this claim remain unclear, the legal battle between the two has garnered attention, especially given the unusual nature of the allegations.

The lawsuit was filed after DeBevoise accused Pickler of a conspiracy to harm him, a claim he attributed to figures such as Jeffrey Epstein and others he believed were part of a larger network of individuals attempting to destroy his life. The connection between DeBevoise and Pickler adds yet another layer of complexity to his background, suggesting that his mental health struggles, legal disputes, and feelings of persecution may have influenced his actions leading up to the Southport Yacht Basin shooting.

DeBevoise’s Troubling Claims and Paranoia

In addition to his military grievances, DeBevoise has made various claims about being a victim of sex trafficking, drugging, and human rights violations. His paranoia and belief in vast conspiracies have been central to his identity, and he has publicly blamed the LGBTQ community, military officials, and various public figures for his suffering. These allegations have been dismissed in court, but they have provided a glimpse into the state of mind of the man who is now suspected of carrying out the deadly attack at Southport Yacht Basin.

DeBevoise’s life, as he describes it, has been filled with betrayal and abuse. His memoir, Headshot: Betrayal of a Nation (Truth Hurts), self-published on Amazon, recounts his experiences in the military and his struggles to recover from what he believes was an orchestrated campaign to destroy his life. The book has gained some attention for its controversial claims, but its content has been criticized as unfounded and heavily influenced by DeBevoise’s conspiratorial mindset.

Motive for the Southport Yacht Basin Shooting: Was It Targeted?

While the investigation into the Southport shooting continues, the motive behind the attack remains unclear. The fact that the shooter fired from a boat, a highly unusual setting for a mass shooting, has led some to speculate that the attack may have been planned. Witnesses described the suspect as a man in a black hat, jeans, and a camouflage shirt, but further details about his identity and intentions are still under investigation.

Law enforcement officials are working to determine whether the shooting was random or targeted. Some theories suggest that the attack could be related to personal grievances or gang activity, while others point to the possibility that DeBevoise’s paranoia and mental health struggles led him to lash out in a violent and unpredictable manner.

The fact that the suspect fled the scene quickly and has not yet been apprehended has raised further concerns about whether others may be involved in the attack, or whether the suspect is operating alone. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward, and law enforcement continues to search for the gunman.

Law Enforcement’s Response and Community Impact

The Southport Yacht Basin shooting has had a profound impact on the local community. The American Fish Company restaurant, a popular venue, has been a staple for visitors to the area, and the violence that erupted within its parking lot has shaken the town of Southport. Local authorities, along with Tribal Police and federal agencies, have responded quickly to the scene, securing the area and beginning an active investigation into the events leading up to the shooting.

The town of Southport is now grappling with the aftermath of the attack. While the motive remains unclear, the fact that three people were killed and others were injured has left the community in shock. Mayor Aaron Valdez released a statement expressing his condolences to the victims’ families and reassuring the public that law enforcement agencies are working diligently to find those responsible for the attack.

Conclusion: A Complex and Tragic Case

The Southport Yacht Basin shooting has raised serious questions about the motivations behind the attack and the identity of the alleged shooter, Nigel Max Edge (formerly Sean William DeBevoise). With a history of legal battles, bizarre claims, and a troubled mental state, DeBevoise’s life is marked by personal grievances and paranoia. While the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities are focused on uncovering the truth behind the attack and bringing those responsible to justice.

This tragic incident is a reminder of the dangers posed by untreated mental health issues, as well as the devastating consequences of violence when personal struggles spiral out of control. As law enforcement works to bring clarity to the situation, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and their families.