Authorities have released the names of the three individuals tragically killed when a shooter unleashed gunfire at a busy waterside restaurant in North Carolina .
The victims have been identified as Joy Rogers, 64, from Southport; Solomon Banjo, 36, from Charlottesville, Virginia; and Michael Durbin, 56, from Galena, Ohio. These individuals lost their lives when Nigel Edge, a decorated Marine, allegedly launched his attack on the American Fish Company restaurant located in Southport Yacht Basin on Saturday night, as confirmed by the City of Southport in an official statement.
As of late Wednesday, five additional victims remain hospitalized, with their identities not yet disclosed, according to city spokesperson ChyAnn Ketchum.
Her family shared that Joy was a deeply committed Christian, originally from California. Her husband, Lennie Rogers, provided a heartfelt statement to WECT, saying they had moved to Southport to enjoy their retirement.
“In that short time frame, she impacted countless lives within her community,” Lennie expressed. “She embodied joy, radiating warmth and kindness wherever she went.”
Remarkably, her husband was present at the bar that fateful evening but fortunately escaped unharmed, according to reports.
A memorial vigil in Joy Rogers’ honor is set to be organized by her church, Generations Church, on Saturday, as per a post made on Facebook, celebrating the “beloved member” of their congregation.
Another victim, Solomon Banjo, served as the executive director for Eon, a health care technology firm, according to a report from the Raleigh News and Observer.
He was an alumnus of the University of Virginia, as stated on his LinkedIn profile.
“Solomon Banjo was a brilliant, considerate, and popular person who was abruptly killed in the North Carolina bar shooting,” remarked Washington Post reporter Dan Diamond on X, expressing the sentiments shared by many colleagues mourning his loss this week.
“This is a tragic and senseless loss of someone with so much to offer,” Diamond added.
Information about the third victim, Michael Durbin, has not yet been released.
Witnesses at the American Fish Company restaurant recounted a serene evening by the waterfront prior to the outbreak of violence.
“Everyone was dancing and enjoying themselves; it was simply wonderful—a beautiful night out by the water,” stated Alisa Noah, who spoke with WWAY-TV. “Until it suddenly wasn’t.”
Accompanied by her colleague and a friend, Noah was enjoying her time at the bar.
Another patron, Phillip Bowen, recalled hearing what he thought were fireworks: “I first heard a ‘pop pop,’ but then I realized it was something far more serious when another sound followed, along with a blinding flash from just above the boat’s transom,” Bowen recounted.
As the music and casual conversations were drowned out by screams and gunfire, Bowen said he had previously met Edge—a Purple Heart recipient with numerous commendations from his military service—and liked to show him respect and gratitude for his service. “It was clear he was in need of more support and kindness than he received,” Bowen reflected.
Edge, aged 40, is alleged to have utilized a short-barreled AR rifle equipped with a suppressor, complete with a folding stock and scope, as stated in legal documents.
In a significant twist, Edge changed his name from Sean DeBevoise in 2023 and was taken into custody about thirty minutes later when a US Coast Guard team located him at a boat ramp in Oak Island, his residence.
This former Marine Corps veteran, who served two tours in Iraq, has yet to enter a plea regarding the charges he faces.
During his court appearance, the county’s chief prosecutor described Edge as struggling with “severe mental health challenges” as a result of a traumatic brain injury.
Edge reported to law enforcement that he sustained injuries during combat and is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, noted Southport Police Chief Todd Coring.
He is currently being held in Brunswick County jail without bond.
The next court date for Edge is scheduled for October 13.
With contributions from Post wires.
