Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, September 11, 2025
News Summary
In a tragic turn of events, two teenagers have been arrested following a shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier that claimed the life of 19-year-old Zane Hughes. The suspects, both 17, are charged with serious offenses, including first-degree murder. The incident has raised alarms about youth violence in the Kill Devil Hills community, prompting calls for greater preventive measures. An earlier suspect, a 16-year-old, has also been linked to the case. The community is grappling with the implications of this tragedy as investigations continue.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina – Two additional teenagers have been arrested in connection with a shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier that resulted in the death of 19-year-old Zane Hughes on July 31. The suspects, identified as 17-year-olds Kayden Lindsey and Zachary Rose, were taken into custody on Wednesday. Lindsey faces charges of first-degree murder, while Rose is charged with aiding and abetting first-degree murder. Both teenagers are currently held on a $750,000 secured bond and their initial court appearance is scheduled for September 23, 2025, with a grand jury hearing set for September 15, 2025.
The tragic shooting occurred around 2:37 p.m. at the Avalon Fishing Pier. Zane Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 15-year-old boy, unrelated to the accused, was shot in the leg and subsequently airlifted to a hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. That young victim has since received treatment and has been released.
Previously, a 16-year-old named Henry Lee Hargis was arrested on the day of the incident and later indicted on charges of first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Authorities reported that Hargis fled the scene but was apprehended less than an hour later. A weapon was recovered from his vehicle after the arrest. Investigators noted an apparent connection between Hargis and Hughes; Hughes was previously considered a suspect in a burglary at Hargis’s home. Following the incident, Hargis admitted to constructing a 3D-printed “ghost” gun, identified as a Glock 17 clone, using materials sourced online. However, police have not confirmed if a gun found at the scene was the same one used by Hargis.
Local authorities have stated that the shooting appears to be “isolated and targeted,” although the precise motive remains unclear. Zane Hughes graduated from First Flight High School in 2024, and his mother expressed a belief that this tragedy could have been averted. She hopes his death can drive initiatives to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
Avalon Fishing Pier, established in 1958, is known for its fishing opportunities, arcade games, and a rooftop bar, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike.
Investigation and Community Response
As the investigation continues, the Kill Devil Hills community is grappling with the aftermath of this incident. Authorities are urging residents to come forward with any information that could help shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The tragedy has raised significant concern about youth violence and gun control within the area.
Summary of Key Events
- Time and Date: July 31, 2023, around 2:37 p.m.
- Location: Avalon Fishing Pier, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
- Victim: Zane Hughes, 19, deceased at the scene
- Injured Party: 15-year-old boy, airlifted and treated
- Suspects: Kayden Lindsey and Zachary Rose arrested, facing serious charges
- Previous Arrest: Henry Lee Hargis, 16, linked to incident
Potential Impact
The tragic end of Zane Hughes has left a mark on the community of Kill Devil Hills, as residents reflect on the implications of youth involvement in violent crimes. Discussions are expected to unfold in the coming weeks regarding safety measures and interventions aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
FAQ
What happened at Avalon Fishing Pier?
On July 31, 2023, a shooting occurred at Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills, leading to the death of 19-year-old Zane Hughes and injuring a 15-year-old boy.
Who has been arrested in connection with the shooting?
Two 17-year-olds, Kayden Lindsey and Zachary Rose, were arrested and face serious charges related to the incident.
What charges have been filed against the suspects?
Lindsey is charged with first-degree murder, while Rose is charged with aiding and abetting first-degree murder.
What connection exists between the victim and suspect Henry Hargis?
An investigation revealed that Zane Hughes was reportedly a suspect in a burglary at Henry Hargis’s home prior to the shooting.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Time and Date | July 31, 2023, at 2:37 p.m. |
| Victim | Zane Hughes, 19 years old |
| Injured Party | 15-year-old boy |
| Suspects | Kayden Lindsey and Zachary Rose, both 17 |
| Previous Arrest | Henry Lee Hargis, 16 |
| Bond Amount for Suspects | $750,000 each |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Teenagers Arrested in Fatal Avalon Fishing Pier Shooting
Two Teenagers Charged in Fatal Avalon Pier Shooting
Discover North Carolina’s Charming Small Towns for Travelers
Teen Charged with First-Degree Murder in Kill Devil Hills Shooting
Tragedy Strikes Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills
16-Year-Old Charged with First-Degree Murder in Kill Devil Hills
Fatal Head-On Collision in Dare County Claims Life
Tragedy Strikes Kill Devil Hills with Fatal Crashes
Courageous Rescue at Outer Banks Saves Woman and Child
Tragedy Strikes Kill Devil Hills: Shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier
Additional Resources
- 13News Now
- Wikipedia: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
- WTKR
- Google Search: Avalon Pier Shooting
- Wavy.com
- Google Scholar: Kill Devil Hills shooting
- Pilot Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kill Devil Hills
- WRAL
- Google News: Avalon Pier Shooting
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.
