Why Kellie Pickler Faces Claims After Her Act of Kindness

A deadly mass shooting occurred at a North Carolina restaurant. The incident took place on September 27, 2025, in Southport. Three people were killed and eight others were injured.

The suspect was identified as Nigel Edge, a 40-year-old former U.S. Marine. He fled the scene by boat but was later detained by the U.S. Coast Guard. According to NBC News, he now faces multiple felony charges.

Suspect Had Past High-Profile Friendship and Recent Legal Troubles

Edge was previously known as Sean DeBevoise. Under that name, he attended the 2012 CMT Music Awards with singer Kellie Pickler. This was reported by TMZ.

Pickler invited him as a thank you for his military service. At the time, he praised her publicly. He called Pickler “an angel” and “the most sincere person I know.”

His relationship with the celebrity soured dramatically. In February 2025, Edge filed a lawsuit against Pickler. He accused her of attempting to poison him at the 2012 awards show.

This was not his only recent legal action. The New York Post reported on other lawsuits he filed. These suits alleged that “LGBTQ White Supremacists” were targeting him.

Charges and Broader Impact of the Tragedy

Edge is scheduled for a court appearance on September 29. He faces three counts of first-degree murder. He also faces five counts of attempted murder and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

The community of Southport is reeling from the violence. The American Fish Company saloon was the scene of the tragedy. Such events have a lasting impact on small, tight-knit communities.

The case highlights complex issues surrounding veteran mental health and public safety. The suspect’s history shows a significant shift from a decorated Marine to an accused mass shooter. This trajectory will likely be a focus of the legal proceedings.

The Southport community now seeks healing as the judicial process begins for Nigel Edge. The full motive for the shooting remains under active investigation by authorities.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who is Nigel Edge?

Nigel Edge is a former U.S. Marine previously named Sean DeBevoise. He is the suspect charged in the September 2025 mass shooting at the American Fish Company in Southport, North Carolina.

What is Nigel Edge’s connection to Kellie Pickler?

He accompanied Kellie Pickler to the 2012 CMT Music Awards as her guest. More recently, he filed a lawsuit against her, making unsubstantiated poisoning claims related to that event.

What charges does Nigel Edge face?

He faces three counts of first-degree murder. He also faces five counts of attempted murder and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon for the Southport restaurant shooting.

How was Nigel Edge apprehended?

After the shooting, he fled the scene on a boat. The U.S. Coast Guard located and detained him, leading to his arrest on multiple charges.

What was the outcome of the shooting?

The tragic event resulted in three fatalities. Eight other individuals sustained injuries during the incident at the restaurant.

Trusted Sources

TMZ
NBC News
New York Post
Associated Press