Southport police chief responds to death penalty decision in Nigel Edge case
SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Southport Police Chief Todd Coring has released a statement following prosecutors’ announcement that they intend to seek the death penalty against Nigel Max Edge, the man accused of killing three people and injuring others in the 2025 Southport mass shooting.
In a statement released by the City of Southport, Coring described Wednesday’s announcement as another step in the judicial process and encouraged the community to continue supporting the victims’ families and survivors.
“This announcement is another step forward in the judicial process surrounding the tragic events of September 27, 2025,” Coring said.
Edge is charged in connection with the Sept. 27, 2025, shooting at the American Fish Company in Southport that killed Solomon Banjo, Joy Rogers and Michael Durbin.
District Attorney Jon David announced Wednesday during a Rule 24 hearing in Brunswick County Superior Court that the state would proceed capitally in the case.
Coring’s statement acknowledged the lasting impact of the shooting on the Southport community.
“As a community, we continue to remember Joy, Solomon, and Michael, their families and loved ones, the survivors, and everyone whose lives were forever changed that night,” Coring said.
The police chief also expressed respect for the legal proceedings and the decisions being made by prosecutors and the courts.
“We respect the judicial process and the decisions being made by the District Attorney’s Office and the courts. As we move forward, let us continue to stand together—with compassion, strength, and support for one another,” Coring said.
The statement concluded with the message:
“We remember.
We heal.
We move forward—TOGETHER.”
Edge was indicted in January on three counts of first-degree murder and several additional charges, including attempted first-degree murder.
He currently lacks the capacity to proceed to trial and is receiving treatment at Cherry Hospital. State evaluators have concluded that his capacity is likely to be restored, according to David.
The district attorney emphasized Wednesday that the capital designation is an initial determination and could be reconsidered if additional evidence emerges concerning Edge’s sanity at the time of the shooting.
David also said the death penalty would be removed from consideration if Edge is never restored to capacity.
