The gunman implicated in a tragic incident at a North Carolina waterfront restaurant reportedly attempted an attack a night earlier, possibly thwarted by a video taken by a bar patron. This attack resulted in three fatalities and left eight others injured at the American Fish Company in Southport.
Nigel Max Edge, 40, is believed to have meticulously planned the ambush that occurred on Saturday night. Witnesses claim he fired from a boat near the restaurant. Among the deceased was Joy Rogers, a mother of three who had recently retired.
New evidence, including cellphone footage, suggests that Edge may have first tried to launch an attack during a concert by local musician Dane Britt, the night before his deadly actions. Britt’s wife recorded a video capturing a suspicious boat in the dark water, which could have prompted Edge to abandon his initial plan.
“She spotted the man in the water and pointed the camera at him,” Britt explained. “I really believe that filming him made him think twice. That video likely saved lives.”
The following evening, however, Edge returned to the restaurant, carrying out his attack with a .300 blackout SIG Sauer rifle equipped with a suppressor, along with a .380 handgun. After the shooting, two deputies on a sheriff’s boat apprehended Edge as he was trying to recover his boat trailer.
Edge now faces three counts of first-degree murder and several counts of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. His bail has been denied due to concerns about the potential risk he poses to the community. A court hearing is scheduled for October 13, where he is expected to be represented by a public defender.
“If she hadn’t filmed that man, who knows how many more would have died?” Britt remarked.
The community is mourning the loss of Joy Rogers, who had recently moved from California to enjoy her retirement with her husband. Friends and family remember her as a loving mother and friend.
Police Chief Todd Coring mentioned that Edge reportedly suffers from PTSD and identifies as a combat veteran. Authorities have reached out to the Department of Defense for further clarification regarding his military claims.
In a concerning revelation, court documents indicate that Edge adheres to an anti-LGBTQ conspiracy theory and has expressed severe accusations against his own parents.
