Judge Orders Psychiatric Treatment for Marine Veteran Charged in Southport Bar Mass Shooting

A Brunswick County judge on Tuesday ordered Nigel Max Edge, a Marine veteran charged with three counts of first-degree murder in a 2023 mass shooting at a waterfront bar in Southport, to undergo psychiatric treatment after multiple mental health evaluations found him incapable of understanding his legal proceedings.

The decision came during a scheduled court hearing where prosecutors were expected to announce whether they would seek the death penalty. Instead, District Attorney Jon David confirmed that the hearing's focus shifted after concerns were raised over Edge's competency to stand trial. Three separate mental health experts, including one appointed by the state, concluded that Edge currently lacks the mental capacity to assist his defense or participate in court proceedings.

Following Superior Court Judge Jason Disbrow’s order, Edge will be transferred to Cherry Hospital, a state psychiatric facility in Goldsboro. According to the district attorney, state mental health experts believe Edge "may be restored to capacity through appropriate treatment, including medication and counseling." If that restoration occurs, legal proceedings will resume, and the possibility of a death penalty trial remains open pending further developments.

Authorities allege that on September 27, 2023, Edge piloted a small motorboat to the dockside bar, where he opened fire with a short-barreled semiautomatic rifle, killing three people and injuring several others. Edge faces additional charges related to the incident.

Edge, 41, previously served with an elite sniper unit in Iraq and sustained serious combat injuries. Friends and family say he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and still carries a bullet fragment in his brain from his time in service.

The psychiatric treatment order suspends further court proceedings for an indefinite period while Edge remains in custody. District Attorney David stated that litigation will resume only if and when Edge’s capacity is restored, with the final decision on the potential pursuit of the death penalty to be made at that time.