Teen Charged with First-Degree Murder in Kill Devil Hills Shooting

Kill Devil Hills, August 15, 2025

News Summary

A 16-year-old, Henry Lee Hargis, has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Zane Hughes at Avalon Pier. The incident occurred after Hughes was implicated in a prior burglary involving Hargis. A second victim, a 15-year-old boy, was injured in the incident. Community concerns are rising over youth violence and unregulated firearms, especially with Hargis having used a 3D-printed gun in the shooting.

Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina – A 16-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder following the shooting death of 19-year-old Zane Hughes at Avalon Pier on July 31, 2025. The suspect, identified as Henry Lee Hargis, is also facing additional charges of assault with a deadly weapon after a second victim, a 15-year-old boy, was injured in the incident.

The shooting occurred around 2:37 PM when police received reports of shots fired at the pier. Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene, and the 15-year-old victim is currently being treated at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Hargis has been indicted by a Dare County Grand Jury and, due to his age, is being held in a juvenile detention facility.

The Kill Devil Hills Police Department revealed that prior to the shooting, Hughes had been implicated in a burglary at Hargis’ home. A police report from May 2024 indicated that Hughes was a suspect in the theft of a handgun from Hargis’ room during a reported home invasion. Following this burglary, Nicole Hassell, Hughes’ mother, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and communication from law enforcement, believing the shooting could have been avoided.

This tragic event was further complicated by Hargis’ admission of constructing a firearm, specifically a Glock 17 ‘clone,’ using parts he purchased online along with a 3D printer. This weapon is classified as a ghost or clone gun, which lacks a traceable serial number, highlighting the growing concerns surrounding unregulated firearms in the state. Despite prior attempts to legislate on untraceable firearms, North Carolina does not currently have specific laws addressing this issue.

On the day of the incident, Hassell accused Hargis of “hunting” down her son after being alerted to Hughes’ presence at the pier. After Hargis’s arrest, police recovered a firearm, but it is not confirmed whether this was the same weapon used in the shooting. Hargis’s father reportedly destroyed the 3D printer used to make the gun, unaware of its significance.

Hargis is scheduled to appear in court again on October 13, 2025, as the case continues to develop amid community concern over the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The tragic death of Zane Hughes has sparked a dialogue within the community regarding youth violence and the implications of unregulated firearm manufacturing.

Background Information

The Avalon Pier shooting marks a significant incident in Kill Devil Hills, drawing attention to the rise of untraceable firearms created using 3D printing technology and the violent encounters stemming from pre-existing conflicts among local youth. The connection between Hughes and Hargis sheds light on the complex dynamics of youth relationships and criminal activities in the area. With ongoing debates surrounding gun control and youth access to firearms, this case may prompt increased scrutiny on legislation and community safety measures.

Summary of Key Facts

• Incident Date: July 31, 2025
• Location: Avalon Pier, Kill Devil Hills, NC
• Victim: Zane Hughes, 19 years old
• Suspect: Henry Lee Hargis, 16 years old
• Charges: First-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon
• Injured: A second victim, 15 years old
• Weapon: Untraceable 3D-printed firearm
• Court Date: October 13, 2025

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Additional Resources

• WAVY: Teen Charged with First-Degree Murder
• Wikipedia: Firearms Legislation in the United States
• WTKR: Connection Between Alleged Shooter and Victim
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
• WITN: Teen Indicted in Avalon Pier Shootings
• Google Search: Avalon Pier shooting
• Hindustan Times: Kill Devil Hills Shooting
• Google News: Kill Devil Hills shooting

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