A Marine veteran facing charges for a triple homicide at a North Carolina bar last year has been mandated to undergo psychiatric treatment. The court’s decision came on Tuesday after it was concluded that the veteran is not mentally fit to participate in his defense.
Nigel Max Edge’s case was supposed to be reviewed during a Brunswick County court session, where the local prosecutor was expected to announce if he would pursue the death penalty. However, District Attorney Jon David announced that this aspect of the case has been postponed due to concerns raised by mental health experts regarding Edge’s ability to engage with the legal process.
“The defense team has provided assessments from two mental health specialists, and our office sought an independent evaluation by a state forensic examiner,” explained David. “All evaluations unanimously indicate that Mr. Edge is currently unable to proceed to trial.”
Judge Jason Disbrow from the Superior Court has ordered Edge’s transfer to Cherry Hospital, a psychiatric institution in Goldsboro, for treatment, David confirmed.
The state’s mental health expert believes that Edge could potentially regain his capacity to stand trial through appropriate interventions, including medication and therapy. If his condition improves, legal proceedings against him will continue.
Attempts to reach Edge’s public defender, Matthew Geoffrion, for a statement were made via voicemail and email but have yet to receive a response.
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.
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