Decorated Marine Veteran Charged in Tragic Triple Homicide at North Carolina Waterfront Bar

A man charged with a shooting in a North Carolina bar has a complicated background. Nigel Edge, 40, is a decorated Marine veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart. He faces multiple charges, including murder, for firing an assault rifle from a boat into a crowd at the American Fish Company in Southport. This tragic event took place on Saturday night and left three dead and five injured.

In court, a judge denied Edge bail, and a probable cause hearing is scheduled for October 13. He did not enter a plea. Eyewitnesses described the shooting as a deliberate attack, leading Police Chief Todd Coring to call it “highly premeditated.”

The U.S. Coast Guard apprehended Edge about thirty minutes later while he was attempting to pull his boat from the water. North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Director Chip Hawley stated that Edge confessed to the crime, though he didn’t provide further details.

Edge has a troubled history. Born in New York, he legally changed his name in 2023. Over the years, he has filed multiple lawsuits, including against local law enforcement and even a church. He has expressed feelings of being targeted and suffering from mental health issues related to his military service, including PTSD.

Experts emphasize the need for better mental health services, especially for veterans. Governor Josh Stein noted that while most individuals with mental health challenges aren’t dangerous, some can pose significant risks. This shooting has reignited discussions about mental health care in the state.

Recent legislation aims to address gaps in mental health support and includes provisions for more thorough assessments of defendants in the criminal justice system. However, it currently lacks measures, such as “red flag” laws, that would allow authorities to remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous.

This incident highlights the urgent need for discussions around mental health reform, especially for those who have served in the military. The impact of such tragedies resonates far beyond those directly involved, affecting entire communities.

For more details on mental health resources and statistics, you can visit the National Institute of Mental Health here.

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