An afternoon shooting at a well-known fishing pier on the coast of North Carolina has shaken the local community. A 16-year-old teenager, Henry Lee Hargis, is at the center of the case, which has left a 19-year-old dead and a 15-year-old seriously injured.
The Tragic Event at Avalon Fishing Pier
On Thursday afternoon, just around 2:30 p.m., shots were fired at the Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills. The pier was packed with people enjoying the day when suddenly chaos erupted.
Witnesses describe the scene as terrifying as people scrambled and dove off the pier. Justin Smiley, who was on the beach at the time, shared his shock with WAVY News, saying, “As soon as I saw them scrambling and jumping off, I knew it was a gun.”
Henry Lee Hargis, a local resident, is accused of shooting and killing 19-year-old Zane Hughes in the pier’s parking lot. A 15-year-old boy was also injured by a stray bullet. Hughes died at the scene, while the younger victim was shot in the leg.
He was airlifted to a hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to recover, though the bullet will remain in his leg as it is near a major artery.
Investigation and Arrest
The police quickly identified Hargis as the suspect, and although he wasn’t at the scene when officers arrived, they managed to track him down about 45 minutes later. They located his car and detained him. Authorities say the shooting was targeted, not random.
The Avalon Pier, where the shooting took place, confirmed that the incident followed a personal dispute between the two young men, with the 15-year-old victim getting caught in the crossfire when a bullet ricocheted.
The pier’s management expressed their shock and sorrow over the situation, calling it a moment of “soul-searching” for the community.
Community Shock and Police Commitment
The small town of Kill Devil Hills, located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, has been deeply affected by the incident. The shooting, which was a result of a feud between two locals, has caused many to question how such an event could unfold in their peaceful town.
Police have vowed to thoroughly investigate the incident, taking their time to understand the reasons behind this tragic event. “We are fully committed to a thorough investigation,” said Kill Devil Hills Assistant Police Chief Dana Harris.
Hargis, who has been charged with first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon, is currently being held at a juvenile detention center. He will have his probable cause hearing next Tuesday.
A Small Town in Mourning
As the investigation continues, the people of Kill Devil Hills are left grappling with the impact of the tragedy. This tight-knit community, usually known for its peaceful coastal life, is now forced to face the painful reality of violence and loss.
