Prosecutors announced Wednesday they will seek the death penalty against Nigel Max Edge, a former Marine accused of a mass shooting in Southport, North Carolina, that killed three people and wounded several others in September 2025.
Brunswick County District Attorney Jon David stated that the facts of Edge's service and struggles were considered but must be balanced against the crime's circumstances. Edge served in Iraq as a Marine, sustained a traumatic brain injury, and has faced mental health challenges.
Edge is alleged to have piloted a motorboat to a dockside cocktail bar on Sept. 27, 2025, and opened fire with a semiautomatic rifle. He faces three counts of first-degree murder, along with multiple attempted murder and weapons charges.
In April, Superior Court Judge Jason Disbrow ordered Edge to undergo psychiatric treatment after determining he was unable to assist in his own defense. Defense attorney Matthew Geoffrion has argued that Edge's brain injury makes it unlikely he can stand trial, citing a low chance of capacity restoration.
David countered that experts at the state hospital where Edge is being treated believe he is likely to be restored to capacity. He noted that a capital designation provides the defendant with the highest level of legal protection and scrutiny. The decision to pursue capital punishment is not final and would be reconsidered if evidence emerges regarding Edge's sanity at the time of the offense or if he is not restored to capacity.
Edge's next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 7.