State to seek death penalty against man accused in Southport shooting

BOLIVIA, NC (WWAY) — Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Nigel Edge, who is accused of killing three people and injuring others in a September shooting at the American Fish Company in Southport.

The decision was announced during a Rule 24 hearing Wednesday in Brunswick County Superior Court.

Prosecutors said the decision was based on the number of people killed and injured, as well as what they described as a premeditated attack in a public place.

Edge, who is currently being treated at Cherry Hospital, has been found incompetent to stand trial. State evaluators, however, believe he can be restored to competency.

District Attorney Jon David said there is currently no evidence that Edge was legally insane at the time of the shooting.

Edge appeared in court Wednesday but was not allowed to be recorded. He walked into the courtroom limping and appeared expressionless.

Southport Police Chief Todd Coring also attended the hearing. Coring said the shooting was especially personal because Southport is his hometown.

“It’s personal to me. It’s my hometown, and I care about my community,” Coring said. “Certainly, it’s a tragic thing to happen. We’re trying not to let this define us.”

Coring said the community is recovering and that the death penalty decision will help move the investigation forward.

If Edge is never found competent to stand trial, prosecutors would not be able to pursue the death penalty