Kill Devil Hills, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Henry Lee Hargis, a 16-year-old, has been charged with first-degree murder following a deadly shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier. The incident left 19-year-old Zane Hughes deceased and a 15-year-old bystander injured. Hargis allegedly fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after with a weapon in his vehicle. As the community mourns, discussions on youth violence and conflict resolution grow more pressing.
KILL DEVIL HILLS, NC – A 16-year-old, Henry Lee Hargis, has been charged with first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury following a fatal shooting that occurred on July 31, 2025. The announcement of charges was made by the District Attorney’s Office on August 11, 2025.
The incident happened around 2:37 a.m. at the Avalon Fishing Pier, leaving 19-year-old Zane Hughes from Colington Island dead at the scene. In addition to Hughes, a 15-year-old bystander was shot in the leg and required transportation to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for treatment.
According to Assistant Chief of Police Dana Harris, the Kill Devil Hills police received reports of shots fired and responded rapidly to the location. Hargis allegedly fled the scene after the shooting but was quickly located and apprehended near Southern Shores, where authorities found a weapon in his vehicle. The local police are currently receiving assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to conduct a thorough investigation.
Hargis is scheduled to appear in court again on October 13, 2025. Preparations for a memorial wake and service honoring Zane Hughes are underway, as his family and friends grieve their loss.
The incident has drawn attention, as Nicole Hassell, the mother of Zane Hughes, described her son as being raised with values promoting conflict resolution without violence. She indicated that there had been longstanding conflicts between Hughes and Hargis. Hassell characterized Hargis’s actions as deliberate, claiming that he tracked down and shot her son multiple times, referring to this behavior as akin to “hunting.”
There is also a suggested relationship between the ongoing conflict and a prior home invasion that involved Hargis and Hughes, as indicated in the original police report. The context of the incident adds complexity to the evolving investigation.
Background of the Incident
The Avalon Fishing Pier has been a popular spot for local residents and visitors alike. However, this tragic shooting marks a significant escalation of violence in the community. Residents have expressed shock at the events, which have shaken their sense of safety in an area typically known for its tranquil family-friendly atmosphere.
The relationship dynamics among the individuals involved have been under scrutiny. As the community processes this event, the implications of youth involvement in violent acts and the associated consequences have become a larger topic of discussion among local residents and law enforcement officials.
Legal Proceedings
As legal proceedings move forward with Hargis facing serious charges, the community is bracing itself for changes and discussions surrounding juvenile crime, gun violence, and conflict resolution. The outcome of this case could influence ongoing debates about youth violence in the area.
Community Response
In the wake of this tragedy, support systems are mobilizing to address the needs of Zane Hughes’ family, as well as the broader implications for students and young people within the community. Initiatives focused on violence prevention and mental health awareness are expected to be amplified as a means of promoting safety and well-being in Kill Devil Hills.
Conclusion
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the perils of youth conflict and the devastating impact of violence. As the investigation continues and the community mourns, it will be imperative for local leaders and citizens alike to engage in thoughtful discussions on how to foster a safer environment for all.
FAQ
Who is Henry Lee Hargis?
Henry Lee Hargis is a 16-year-old from Kill Devil Hills who has been charged with first-degree murder and assault following a shooting incident.
What happened at the Avalon Fishing Pier?
A shooting occurred at the Avalon Fishing Pier on July 31, 2025, resulting in the death of Zane Hughes and injury to a 15-year-old bystander.
When is Henry Lee Hargis’s next court appearance?
Henry Lee Hargis is scheduled to appear in court on October 13, 2025.
What were the circumstances leading to the shooting?
There were reportedly previous conflicts between Hargis and Hughes, suggesting a history of tension between them.
What support is being arranged for the victims’ family?
A memorial wake and service for Zane Hughes are currently being organized by his family and friends.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Wavy: Teen Charged with Murder in Avalon Pier Shooting
- Wikipedia: Youth Violence
- WITN: Teen Indicted in Avalon Pier Shootings
- Google Search: Conflict Resolution in Youth
- 13 News Now: Teen Indicted on Murder Charge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juvenile Delinquency
- WRAL: One Person Shot at Outer Banks Pier
- Google News: Youth Violence in North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
