North Carolina prosecutor seeks death penalty for former Marine

Brunswick County District Attorney Jon David announced that prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Nigel Max Edge, a former Marine accused of a mass shooting in Southport, North Carolina.

Authorities allege that on September 27, 2025, Edge used a small motorboat to reach a dockside cocktail bar before opening fire with a short-barreled semiautomatic rifle. The attack resulted in three deaths and several injuries. Edge faces three counts of first-degree murder, along with multiple weapons and attempted murder charges.

The case involves complex questions regarding the defendant's mental competency. Edge, who sustained a traumatic brain injury during combat in Iraq, was ordered to undergo psychiatric treatment after a judge determined he could not currently assist in his own legal defense. While defense attorneys argue that his brain injury may prevent him from ever being restored to trial capacity, state hospital experts have suggested restoration is likely possible.