Retired mother Joy Rogers identified among 3 killed as Nigel Max Edge charged in Southport waterfront massacre
Joy Rogers, a newly retired mother of three who moved to Southport from California about a year ago, was identified as one of three people killed and at least eight wounded when a gunman opened fire at the American Fish Company waterfront restaurant in Southport, N.C., on the night of Sept. 27. Authorities have charged Nigel Max Edge (who has also used the name Nigel Edge and previously changed his name from Sean Debevoise) with three counts of first‑degree murder and multiple counts of attempted first‑degree murder after he allegedly approached by boat, fired into the crowd with a .300 Blackout Sig Sauer rifle and a .380 handgun, was detained after the U.S. Coast Guard spotted him loading a boat, and is being held without bond.
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🔍 Key Facts
- The shooting occurred near the Southport Yacht Basin at the American Fish Company on the night of Sept. 27, about 9:30 p.m.; the assailant approached by a small boat, fired into a crowd near a waterfront bar, then sped away.
- Three people were killed and at least eight others were wounded; the district attorney said at least one wounded victim was 'clinging for their life.'
- One of the deceased was identified as Joy Rogers, a newly retired mother of three who moved to Southport from California about a year ago; family and her church described her as 'bold in her faith' and an engaged community member.
- The suspect was identified as Nigel Max Edge (reported as 40 in some reports; state voter records list him as 41 and say he previously changed his name from Sean Debevoise).
- Edge has been charged with three counts of first‑degree murder and five counts of attempted first‑degree murder; prosecutors allege he used a .300 Blackout Sig Sauer rifle fitted with a suppressor and scope and also had a .380 handgun.
- The U.S. Coast Guard spotted a person matching the suspect description pulling a boat at a public ramp on Oak Island around 10 p.m.; that person was detained by the Coast Guard, turned over to Southport police, and the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office and multiple county agencies assisted.
- A judge denied bond citing flight risk and danger to the community; Edge is being held without bond and is scheduled to return Oct. 13 for a probable‑cause hearing.
- The City of Southport posted an alert on Facebook just before 10 p.m. EST reporting an active shooter at the Southport Yacht Basin; the area includes multiple bars and restaurants.
📍 Contextual Background
- On 2025-09-28, Thomas Jacob Sanford attacked the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan: he drove his truck through the front doors, fired an assault rifle at worshippers, used an accelerant to set fire to the church (officials described it as a total loss), and was killed in a shootout with police.
- As of 2025-09-29 at least four people were killed and eight were wounded in the attack on the Grand Blanc Township church.
- Officers were on scene within 30 seconds of a 911 call, and two officers pursued the attacker after he left the church and fatally shot him about eight minutes later in an exchange of gunfire.
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation, described the incident as an act of targeted violence, and sent about 100 federal agents to Grand Blanc Township.
- Law enforcement agencies respond to active shooter incidents and may engage and neutralize suspects at the scene.
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigates incidents of targeted violence.
- Ballistics testing of a .380-caliber shell casing recovered at the Austin yogurt shop, when resubmitted to a federal database, produced a match to an unsolved 1998 case in Kentucky.
📰 Sources (5)
Retired mom among 3 killed in ‘premeditated’ North Carolina waterfront restaurant massacre
New information:
- One victim identified as Joy Rogers, a newly retired mother of three who moved to Southport from California about a year ago
- Quotations and statements from Rogers' husband Lennie Rogers and Living Word Bible Church describing her as 'bold in her faith' and a community member
- Confirming detail that a judge denied bond citing flight risk and danger to the community and that Edge is scheduled to return Oct. 13 for a probable cause hearing
- Prosecutors allege Edge used a .300 Blackout Sig Sauer rifle fitted with a suppressor and scope and also had a .380 handgun
Suspect held in waterfront bar shooting that left 3 dead in North Carolina
New information:
- Reports the suspect uses the name Nigel Edge and that state voter records list him as 41 years old; he previously changed his name from Sean Debevoise.
- Quotes Southport Police Chief Todd Coring saying the U.S. Coast Guard observed a person matching the shooter's description loading a boat at about 10 p.m., helping lead to the arrest.
- Confirms the suspect is being held without bond and is expected to appear in court Monday.
- Provides on‑the‑record quotes from District Attorney Jon David describing the scene and noting at least one wounded victim was 'clinging for their life.'
Suspect in NC restaurant shooting identified, charged with murder after 3 killed, at least 8 wounded
New information:
- Suspect identified as Nigel Max Edge, 40.
- Edge was charged with three counts of first‑degree murder and five counts of attempted first‑degree murder.
- Charge confirmation came from Southport public information officer ChyAnn Ketchum and was associated with the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office.
- Shooting occurred at the American Fish Company restaurant on the night of Sept. 27, 2025, leaving three dead and at least eight wounded (updated with suspect charges).
3 killed and 8 injured in North Carolina waterfront bar shooting
New information:
- Confirmed casualties: three people killed and at least eight wounded.
- The assailant approached by small boat, fired into a crowd near a waterfront bar around 9:30 p.m., then sped away.
- A U.S. Coast Guard crew later spotted a person matching the suspect description pulling a boat at a public ramp on Oak Island; that person was detained and turned over to Southport police.
Active shooter reported at North Carolina dockside with restaurants and bars
New information:
- City of Southport posted an alert on Facebook just before 10 p.m. EST reporting an active shooter at the Southport Yacht Basin.
- Brunswick County Sheriff's Office is assisting the Southport Police Department and multiple county agencies are involved.
- Local reports indicate potentially several fatalities, but casualty counts remain unconfirmed; the area contains multiple bars and restaurants including the American Fish Company.