The chilling events at the Southport Yacht Basin in North Carolina on the night of September 26, 2025, have left the community in shock. Three people were killed, and nine others were injured when gunfire erupted from a boat near the American Fish Company restaurant. The alleged gunman, identified by authorities as Nigel Max Edge, formerly known as Sean William DeBevoise, has become the subject of intense scrutiny. While the investigation continues, DeBevoise’s troubled past, including his claims of military betrayal, lawsuits, and accusations of being involved in various conspiracy theories, has cast a disturbing light on the suspect’s life before the shooting.

The Shooting Incident at Southport Yacht Basin

The shooting took place around 10 p.m. when a man, later identified as Nigel Max Edge (formerly Sean William DeBevoise), opened fire from a boat at the popular American Fish Company restaurant located in the Southport Yacht Basin. Eyewitnesses reported that the suspect’s boat lingered near the restaurant for almost an hour before the shooting began. The gunfire, which left three dead and nine others injured, sent shockwaves through the community.

Witnesses described seeing a man with a spotted dog on the boat, a detail that would later be tied to DeBevoise’s Facebook page, where he had posted pictures of a similar dog. After the shooting, the suspect’s boat fled toward Oak Island, and authorities have yet to make an arrest, although a person of interest is being questioned. Investigators are still piecing together the details of the attack and the motive behind it.

Who is Sean William DeBevoise, aka Nigel Max Edge?

Sean William DeBevoise, who now goes by the name Nigel Max Edge, is a 34-year-old man with a complex and troubling history. DeBevoise served in the U.S. military, having completed three tours in Afghanistan and one in Haiti after enlisting in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. However, his time in the service appears to have marked the beginning of a series of mental health struggles and a growing distrust of both the government and the military.

Over the years, DeBevoise has submitted multiple lawsuits and made various claims about his life, which he says has been filled with extreme hardship and betrayal. He has gone public with accusations that he was kidnapped, given a fake name, and assigned a false family as part of a government conspiracy. He has also claimed that he was drugged, poisoned multiple times, and almost killed on several occasions. His distrust of the government and military has fueled his accusations, which include allegations of sex trafficking, blaming figures such as Jeffrey Epstein and the LGBTQ community for his troubles.

DeBevoise’s grievances have not been limited to just his personal life. He has filed lawsuits against various parties, alleging civil rights violations by the military during the Iraq War, as well as mistreatment by the government. His life, as he describes it, has been a series of violent attempts against him, with conspiracies involving the CIA and military organizations.

The Shooting and the Boat Connection

According to reports, DeBevoise’s boat, which he reportedly used for a fishing business he had hoped to start, was the same vessel used in the Southport shooting. DeBevoise had run a GoFundMe campaign in the past to help buy the boat, and he had planned to use it for his fishing business. This campaign was part of his larger attempt to start a new life, though it now appears his intentions took a darker turn.

DeBevoise’s Facebook page also sheds some light on his life before the shooting. He describes himself as an “author” with a memoir titled Headshot: Betrayal of a Nation. The memoir, which DeBevoise claims details his experiences with military betrayal and government conspiracies, has gained some attention but has been largely dismissed by critics as the ramblings of someone consumed by anger and distrust.

Ties to Country Singer Kellie Pickler

In an even stranger twist, it has been revealed that Nigel Max Edge, the man now accused of the Southport shooting, was once involved in a public relationship with country singer Kellie Pickler. Edge attended the 2012 CMT Awards as Pickler’s date, but their connection soon turned sour. In one of his many lawsuits, DeBevoise later claimed that Pickler had attempted to murder him. This bizarre chapter in his life further adds to the mystery surrounding the man behind the Southport Yacht Basin shooting.

The details of his relationship with Pickler and the ensuing legal battles are not widely known, but his claims and accusations suggest a man who has been deeply affected by his interactions with the public figures and institutions he believes have wronged him.

Claims of Military Betrayal and Government Conspiracy

One of the most disturbing aspects of DeBevoise’s life and his motivations is his history of claims related to his military service. After enlisting following the events of September 11, DeBevoise served three tours in Afghanistan and one in Haiti. However, he has consistently stated that his military experience was marred by betrayal, conspiracy, and mistreatment by the U.S. government.

In his various lawsuits and public statements, DeBevoise accuses the military of civil rights violations, claiming that soldiers and detainees in Iraq were subjected to inhumane treatment and that he himself was a victim of systemic abuse. He also blames the military for his deteriorating mental health, arguing that the trauma he experienced during his service contributed to his current state of anger and resentment.

DeBevoise’s distrust of the government has extended beyond his military service to include accusations against the CIA and other government agencies. His life, as he claims, has been one long struggle against shadowy forces trying to control and silence him.

The Shooting Incident and Possible Motives

While the investigation into the Southport Yacht Basin shooting is still ongoing, early reports suggest that DeBevoise’s motives may be tied to a combination of personal grievances, mental health struggles, and his deep-rooted belief in government conspiracy. Authorities are working to determine whether the shooting was a targeted act of violence or the result of a breakdown in DeBevoise’s mental health.

It is clear that DeBevoise’s life has been fraught with tension, anger, and distrust. The shooting itself appears to be the culmination of years of personal strife, as he seems to have reached a breaking point after years of grappling with what he perceives as betrayals by the government, the military, and public figures. The fact that he was allegedly involved in a shooting that took the lives of three people and injured nine others raises questions about the extent to which DeBevoise’s mental health struggles may have contributed to the tragedy.

A Community Left in Shock

The community of Southport, North Carolina, is still reeling from the effects of the shooting, with many left searching for answers about the events that unfolded that night. The shooting has cast a dark shadow over the town, and residents are left to grapple with the implications of the violence that took place in their midst.

As the investigation continues, questions remain about DeBevoise’s background, his motivations, and the role his mental health struggles may have played in the shooting. What started as an attempt to start a new life with a fishing business has now spiraled into a tragedy that has affected many lives.

Conclusion: The Complex Legacy of Nigel Max Edge

The story of Nigel Max Edge, formerly Sean William DeBevoise, is a tragic and complex one, marked by personal battles, accusations of betrayal, and an overwhelming sense of frustration with the world around him. The Southport Yacht Basin shooting is the latest chapter in his troubled life, and it raises important questions about mental health, conspiracy theories, and the risks of violence when personal grievances go unchecked.

As authorities continue their investigation and work to piece together the events of the night, the community is left to reflect on the tragic consequences of a life marked by anger and distrust. The case is far from over, and it will likely continue to unfold, revealing more about the man behind the tragedy and the forces that may have driven him to take such drastic action.