All three people killed by a gunman who opened fire from a boat at a bustling waterside restaurant in North Carolina have been identified.
Solomon Banjo, a 36-year-old from Charlottesville, Va., 64-year-old Joy Rogers of Southport, N.C., and 56-year-old Michael Durbin of Galena, Ohio were fatally shot Saturday night at the American Fish Company, a popular venue located along the Cape Fear River, the City of Southport said in a statement.
Five other people were wounded in the shooting, but their names and conditions have not been released.
Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office via AP
Shooting suspect Nigel Edge. (Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
Authorities said the shooter, identified as Nigel Edge, a decorated Marine combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient, piloted a boat close to the shoreline, stopped briefly and opened fire at a crowd of vacationers and restaurant patrons. Police have described the attack as “highly premeditated,” but a motive remains unclear.
Edge did not enter a plea during his court appearance on Monday, and a judge ordered him held without bail. He’s facing charges including murder, attempted murder and assault in connection with a mass shooting.
Rogers’ family remembered her as a devoted mother and a woman of faith. Her husband, Lennie Rogers, told NBC affiliate WECT that their family had only just moved to the Southport area last year.
“Joy loved Jesus deeply, and because of that, she loved others deeply,” he said. “She lived up to her name — her spirit radiated joy, light and kindness everywhere she went. Joy had a special gift for making people feel seen and welcomed. She was truly a vibrant part of the community and her family, and she will be dearly missed.”
