Marine Veteran Charged in Fatal North Carolina Bar Shooting
A Marine veteran has been charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder following a shooting at a Southport, North Carolina, bar that left three dead and five injured.
Authorities have identified the three individuals killed in a shooting at the American Fish Company, a waterfront bar in Southport, North Carolina, on Saturday night. The victims are Joy Rogers, 64, of Southport; Solomon Banjo, 36, of Charlottesville, Virginia; and Michael Durbin, 56, of Galena, Ohio. Five others were injured and remain hospitalized.
The suspect, 40-year-old Marine veteran Nigel Edge, allegedly approached the bar by boat and opened fire on patrons enjoying live music on the outdoor deck. Edge was apprehended approximately 30 minutes later by the U.S. Coast Guard while attempting to remove his boat from the water at a ramp on Oak Island, where he resides. He has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, five counts of first-degree attempted murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Edge is currently held without bond, with a probable cause hearing scheduled for October 13.
Edge, who served in the Marines from 2003 to 2009 and received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in Iraq, has a history of legal disputes with local authorities, including lawsuits against the town and police department. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
Joy Rogers, one of the victims, had moved to Southport a year ago with her husband, Lennie Rogers, to enjoy their retirement. In a statement, her family described her as a devoted wife and loving mother of three, noting that she "lived up to her name—her spirit radiated joy, light, and kindness everywhere she went." A prayer vigil is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, at the Southport Waterfront to honor Rogers and the other victims.
Southport Police Chief Todd Coring described the attack as "highly premeditated" and "targeted." District Attorney Jon David stated that his office would review whether seeking the death penalty is appropriate in this case.
The American Fish Company has announced it will be closed indefinitely in the wake of the shooting.
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