Authorities have named the three people killed in a shocking shooting at a popular waterfront restaurant in Southport, North Carolina. The attack happened Saturday night at the American Fish Company in the Southport Yacht Basin, where a gunman opened fire on diners from a boat.
The victims include Joy Rogers, 64, from Southport; Solomon Banjo, 36, from Charlottesville, Virginia; and Michael Durbin, 56, from Galena, Ohio. City officials confirmed their identities in a statement. Five other people suffered injuries and remain in the hospital as of Wednesday evening, though their names aren’t public yet.
Joy Rogers, a devoted Christian, had moved to Southport just a year ago with her husband, Lennie, to enjoy retirement after raising a family in California. Lennie described her as someone who spread joy and kindness everywhere. “In that short time, she touched countless lives in her community,” he told local reporters. Tragically, Lennie was at the restaurant that night but escaped unhurt. Her church, Generations Church, plans a vigil this Saturday to remember the beloved member of their congregation.
Solomon Banjo worked as an executive director at Eon, a health care technology firm. A University of Virginia graduate, he left behind colleagues who remembered him fondly. Washington Post reporter Dan Diamond, a former coworker, shared on social media: “Solomon was smart, thoughtful, kind, and well-liked. What a tragic, stupid loss of someone who had so much to give.” Details about Michael Durbin remain limited for now.
The night started like any lively evening at the dockside spot. Patrons enjoyed music, dancing, and the waterfront vibe. “Everyone was having a great time—it was just wonderful,” said survivor Alisa Noah, who was there with friends. But chaos erupted when gunfire shattered the fun. Another witness, Phillip Bowen, first thought the pops were fireworks. Then he saw flashes from a boat nearby, followed by screams as bullets flew.
Bowen knew the suspect, Nigel Edge, from years earlier. Edge, a 40-year-old decorated Marine and Purple Heart recipient who served two tours in Iraq, had opened up about his struggles. “I just wanted to thank him for his service and show him respect,” Bowen said. “It’s obvious he didn’t get enough of that.”
Investigators say Edge steered a boat close to shore, paused, and unleashed a “highly premeditated” barrage on the crowd. He carried a short-barreled AR-style rifle with a suppressor, folding stock, and scope. Edge, who legally changed his name from Sean DeBevoise in 2023, faces charges in the North Carolina restaurant shooting.
Coast Guard officers spotted and arrested him about 30 minutes later on Oak Island, where he lives, as he pulled his boat from the water. During Monday’s court hearing, the prosecutor noted Edge’s “significant mental health issues” stemming from a traumatic brain injury. Edge told police he deals with combat wounds and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to Southport Police Chief Todd Coring.
Edge stays in Brunswick County jail without bond. His next court date is October 13. The Southport community reels from this senseless act of violence at the American Fish Company, as families and friends mourn the lives lost in the North Carolina shooting.
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