Southport shooter’s hearing reveals disturbing details

SOUTHPORT, N.C. — For the first time, the man accused of carrying out a deadly mass shooting in Southport appeared before a judge Monday.

Authorities say Nigel Max Edge confessed to killing three people and injuring five others during a weekend attack. Investigators also revealed in court that the shooting was premeditated.

According to prosecutors, Edge initially planned the assault for Friday. They said he anchored his boat in the area and camped out for hours, but left after another boater spotted him. He returned the next day, waiting in the same location before opening fire.

On Monday, Edge appeared virtually in court dressed in a blue jumpsuit and sitting in a wheelchair. Cameras were not allowed inside the hearing, but family members, media and community members filled the room. Some shed tears as charges were read, while Edge showed no visible reaction.

David Canup, who has lived in Southport for more than two decades, said the violence left him shaken.

“About 24 years of living here I’ve never seen that happen. Never heard of it happening and honestly, never expected to happen,” Canup said.

He said seeing Edge in person was difficult.

“It makes me sick to my stomach, you know, just seeing him in the courtroom, you know, face to face like that, it really made me sick to my stomach,” Canup said.

Canup recalled hearing the gunfire Saturday night and realizing something was terribly wrong.

“I was sitting there at Oliver’s [on the Cape Fear restaurant], and I heard this loud commotion and I see people, you know, panicking. And I’m like, what in the world was that? And then I see all the first responders showing up, and I’m like, something just happened down there. It was definitely a lot of emotions going on,” he said.

Edge is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Prosecutors said the state is considering seeking the death penalty if he is convicted.

“I know it’s a touchy thing and a lot of people don’t want to talk about that. But all I can say about that is I hope justice is served for the families, for the friends and for the co-workers. But I do got to say, you know, whatever the outcome is, justice needs to be served,” Canup said.

Prosecutors also revealed investigators found several firearms on Edge’s boat, suggesting the violence could have been worse had law enforcement not intervened.

Edge is being held without bond. His next hearing is scheduled for October 13. The names of the victims have not been released.