Southport Shooting Suspect Nigel Max Edge Identified

A mass shooting in Southport, North Carolina, left three people dead and at least eight others injured. The violent incident occurred near a popular waterfront area on Saturday evening. Authorities have a suspect in custody following a brief manhunt.

The suspected gunman has been identified on social media as Sean William DeBevoise. He is a former U.S. Marine who reportedly suffers from service-related mental health conditions.

Chaotic Scene on the Waterfront

The shooting began around 9:30 p.m. local time. It happened near a row of busy restaurants and bars along the shore. According to witness accounts, the attacker used a small boat.

He allegedly paused his vessel near the crowd. He then opened fire before speeding away. The attack created panic and confusion along the waterfront.

Emergency services responded immediately. They transported the wounded to nearby hospitals. The condition of the injured victims remains unclear.

Swift Arrest Follows Coast Guard Sighting

A coordinated search operation quickly unfolded. It involved local police and U.S. Coast Guard units. A breakthrough came about thirty minutes after the shooting.

A Coast Guard member spotted a person matching the suspect’s description. The individual was seen dragging a boat from the water at a public ramp on Oak Island. This location is near Southport.

Officials took the man into custody without incident. He was then transferred to Southport police for questioning. The suspect’s identity has not been officially confirmed by law enforcement.

Social Media Points to Troubled Veteran

While officials remain silent, online investigators have named the suspect. They identify him as Sean William DeBevoise. He also legally changed his name to Nigel Max Edge.

Public records suggest he is a former Marine. He deployed to Iraq in 2006. He reportedly suffered severe traumatic brain injuries there.

These injuries led to diagnoses of schizophrenia and cognitive disorders. This information comes from social media profiles and his own writings.

A History of Legal Grievances and a Published Book

DeBevoise appears to have a history of filing unusual lawsuits. He also self-published a book on Amazon. The book’s description details his military service and his claims of betrayal.

It alleges he was wounded by friendly fire. The description states this caused “crippling mental damage.” He also made online accusations about various conspiracies targeting him.

A GoFundMe campaign for him raised nearly $18,500. The funds were for a fishing boat to start a business. A campaign video shows him discussing his decision to enlist after the 9/11 attacks.

Law enforcement continues its investigation into the precise motives behind the Southport NC shooting. The community is now left to mourn its dead and care for the wounded.

Info at your fingertips

What exactly happened in the Southport shooting?

A gunman opened fire from a small boat near waterfront bars. The attack killed three people and injured at least eight others. A suspect was apprehended shortly after the incident.

Who is the suspected shooter?

Social media and public records identify him as Sean William DeBevoise. He is a former U.S. Marine who also uses the name Nigel Max Edge. He has a documented history of service-related mental health issues.

What was the suspect’s military background?

He served in the Marine Corps and was deployed to Iraq. He sustained traumatic brain injuries during his service. These injuries led to diagnoses of schizophrenia and cognitive disorders.

Has the suspect written about his experiences?

Yes, he self-published a book titled “Headshot-Betrayal of a Nation.” The book details his military service and claims he was a victim of friendly fire. It also describes his subsequent struggles.

How was the suspect captured?

A U.S. Coast Guard member spotted him at a boat ramp on Oak Island. He was dragging a boat from the water. He was taken into custody without a struggle about 30 minutes after the shooting.

What is the official status of the investigation?

Authorities have not yet officially named the suspect in custody. Multiple agencies, including the SBI, are involved. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full motive.

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