Ex-Marine’s Southport Shooting Case Takes Turn: Court Orders Psychiatric Evaluation

A North Carolina judge has ruled that Nigel Max Edge, a Marine veteran facing charges of first-degree murder following a mass shooting at a waterfront bar, must undergo psychiatric treatment. This decision comes after it was determined that Edge is currently unable to comprehend his legal proceedings sufficiently to assist in his defense.

The hearing in Brunswick County was initially set to address whether the district attorney would pursue the death penalty. However, District Attorney Jon David announced that this decision has been postponed owing to concerns raised by mental health professionals regarding Edge’s competency to stand trial.

“The defense has provided evaluations from two experts, and an independent evaluation was conducted by a state forensic examiner,” David explained. “All three evaluations have concluded that Mr. Edge is not presently capable of participating in his trial.”

Following these findings, Superior Court Judge Jason Disbrow has ordered Edge’s transfer to Cherry Hospital, a state psychiatric institution in Goldsboro, according to David.

David further mentioned that the state’s mental health expert believes Edge could regain the capacity to face trial through appropriate treatment, which may include medication and counseling. If Edge’s condition improves, the legal proceedings against him will continue.

Voicemail and email seeking comment were left for Edge’s public defender, Matthew Geoffrion.

Authorities allege Edge, 41, piloted a small motorboat up to a dockside cocktail bar in Southport last Sept. 27 and opened fire with a short-barreled semiautomatic rifle. Three people were killed, and several others were injured.

Edge, who faces additional charges, was serving with an elite sniper unit in Iraq when he was shot four times, including once in the head. Friends and family say he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and still has a bullet lodged in his brain.

Tuesday’s action has “the practical effect of suspending further litigation unless and until the defendant’s capacity is restored,” David said, adding the state could still seek the death penalty “should the facts and law warrant this designation.”

Edge will remain in custody during treatment, which David said would be for an “indeterminate” amount of time.