Former Marine Ordered to Undergo Psychiatric Treatment After Mass Shooting

Nigel Max Edge charged with three counts of first-degree murder in North Carolina waterfront bar attack

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a short-barreled semiautomatic rifle magazine against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the weapon used in a mass shooting that has led to a former Marine being ordered to undergo psychiatric treatment.The alleged weapon used in a mass shooting that has led to a former Marine being ordered to undergo psychiatric treatment.Goldsboro Today

A judge has ordered a former Marine charged with three counts of first-degree murder in a mass shooting at a North Carolina waterfront bar to undergo psychiatric treatment after it was determined he lacks the capacity to understand the trial proceedings well enough to help his lawyers. The state's mental health expert found that Nigel Max Edge, 41, may be restored to capacity through appropriate treatment, including medication and counseling.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding mental health and criminal responsibility, particularly for military veterans who may be struggling with PTSD and other service-related trauma. The decision to suspend the trial proceedings and order psychiatric treatment raises questions about how the criminal justice system should handle such cases.

The details

Authorities allege that in September 2025, Edge piloted a small motorboat up to a dockside cocktail bar in Southport, North Carolina and opened fire with a short-barreled semiautomatic rifle, killing three people and injuring several others. Edge, who was serving with an elite sniper unit in Iraq when he was shot four times, including once in the head, has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and still has a bullet lodged in his brain.

  • On September 27, 2025, Edge allegedly opened fire at a waterfront bar in Southport, North Carolina.
  • On April 8, 2026, a judge ordered Edge to undergo psychiatric treatment at Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

The players

Nigel Max Edge

A 41-year-old former Marine veteran charged with three counts of first-degree murder in a mass shooting at a North Carolina waterfront bar.

Jon David

The Brunswick County District Attorney who said the state's mental health expert found that Edge may be restored to capacity through appropriate treatment.

Jason Disbrow

The Superior Court Judge who ordered Edge to be transferred to Cherry Hospital, a state psychiatric facility in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“The defense has presented evaluations from two experts, and this office requested an independent evaluation by a state forensic examiner. All three evaluations conclude that Mr. Edge currently lacks the capacity to proceed to trial.”

— Jon David, Brunswick County District Attorney

“Mr. Edge may be restored to capacity through appropriate treatment, including medication and counseling.”

— Jon David, Brunswick County District Attorney

What’s next

Edge will remain in custody at Cherry Hospital for an indeterminate amount of time as he undergoes psychiatric treatment. The state could still seek the death penalty 'should the facts and law warrant this designation' if Edge's capacity is restored.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex challenges the criminal justice system faces in balancing public safety, mental health treatment, and due process for defendants who may be struggling with service-related trauma and mental illness. The decision to suspend the trial proceedings and order psychiatric treatment reflects the court's recognition of the need to address Edge's underlying mental health issues before the case can proceed.