Three victims have been named after a shooter opened fire at a crowded waterfront restaurant in North Carolina. Joy Rogers, 64, from Southport; Solomon Banjo, 36, from Charlottesville, Virginia; and Michael Durbin, 56, from Galena, Ohio, were killed during an attack led by a decorated Marine, Nigel Edge, on a US Fish Company restaurant in Southport Yacht Basin on Saturday night, as confirmed by the city.
As of late Wednesday, five other individuals remain hospitalized. The city spokesperson, Chyann Ketchum, noted that their identities have not been released.
Joy Rogers was remembered by her family as a devoted Christian who had moved to Southport about a year ago to enjoy retirement. In a heartfelt remark, her husband, Lenny Rogers, said, “In that short time, she was exposed to countless lives in her community.” He described her spirit as one that “radiated joy, light, and kindness” wherever she went.
Remarkably, her husband was present at the bar during the attack but was unharmed. A vigil is being planned by her church, Generation Church, to honor her and the other victims.
Another victim, Solomon Banjo, served as the executive director of a healthcare technology firm, EON. His educational background includes graduating from the University of Virginia, as noted on his LinkedIn profile. A former colleague expressed sorrow, calling him “clever, thoughtful, kind, and well-received” and lamenting the “tragic and stupid loss of a person who gives so much.”
Details about the third victim, Michael Durbin, have not yet been disclosed.
Patrons recalled the lively atmosphere at the restaurant prior to the shooting, describing it as a beautiful night filled with music and laughter—until chaos broke out. One customer, Alisa Noah, shared how they were all having a good time until the bullets started flying.
Philip Bowen, another bar-goer, mentioned that the initial “pop-pop” sounded like fireworks until he saw a flash from the boat. What followed was a swift transformation from merriment to panic, with screams piercing the night air.
Bowen had previously met Edge, a Purple Heart recipient who spoke about his military service and personal struggles. He reflected on wanting to listen and show respect, noting that Edge seemed to lack support.
Authorities reported that Edge, 40, had piloted a boat close to the shore, stopped, and then executed what they termed a “very planned” attack on diners. He was said to be armed with a short-barreled AR rifle with a suppressor.
Edge, who went by Sean De Bevos in 2023, was arrested roughly 30 minutes after the incident when a Coast Guard crew identified his boat. He has yet to enter a plea, as complications with his mental health were brought up during a court hearing. The county’s lead prosecutor noted Edge’s significant mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his time in combat.
Currently, he remains in custody at Brunswick County Jail. His next court appearance is set for October 13.
