News Summary
A 16-year-old has been arrested after a shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills, NC, resulted in the death of 19-year-old Zane Hughes and serious injuries to another teenager. The suspect, Henry Lee Hargis, faces charges including first-degree murder. The incident has caused shock in a community generally associated with family-friendly tourism, and an investigation is ongoing to piece together the events leading to this tragedy.
Kill Devil Hills, N.C. – A 16-year-old suspect has been arrested following a fatal shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier on Thursday, which resulted in the death of a 19-year-old man and serious injuries to a 15-year-old boy. The incident unfolded around 2:37 p.m., prompting a swift response from local emergency services, with first responders arriving at the scene within four minutes.
The deceased victim has been identified as Zane Hughes, a resident of Colington, N.C. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The injured teenager, whose family was vacationing from Pennsylvania at the Outer Banks, was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Virginia. He has since been treated and released for his injuries.
Following the shooting, law enforcement was able to identify the suspected shooter, Henry Lee Hargis, also a 16-year-old from Kill Devil Hills. Hargis was apprehended by Southern Shores Police at 3:19 p.m., just under an hour after the shooting occurred, during a traffic stop.
Hargis has been charged with first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, which includes inflicting serious injury. Due to his age, he is currently being held in a juvenile detention facility. The investigation into the shooting is being conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and several local police departments.
Officials have classified the shooting as isolated and targeted, indicating there is no ongoing threat to public safety. Police are processing evidence and have been interviewing witnesses to reconstruct the events that led up to the shooting.
The Avalon Fishing Pier, a popular spot for both locals and visitors, has been a place known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The violence of this incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns and creating a sense of trauma among residents and vacationers alike.
Witnesses at the scene played an essential role in helping identify the suspect. However, police are maintaining limited communication with the public to preserve the investigation’s integrity while ensuring that next of kin have been notified about the deceased.
This incident marks a troubling occurrence in a town typically associated with peaceful summer holidays and family outings. Previous crime statistics indicate that the Outer Banks, including Kill Devil Hills, have not been known for violent incidents of this nature, leading to an increased sense of alarm among residents.
Community leaders have expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and acknowledged the emotional toll that such an event can have on a vibrant tourist destination. Law enforcement agencies remain actively engaged in the ongoing investigation, determined to gather all relevant information while ensuring safety for all those in the area.
The shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for continued vigilance and communication between law enforcement and the community regarding safety and security measures in places of public gathering.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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16-Year-Old Charged with Murder in Kill Devil Hills Shooting
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Shooting Incident Leaves One Dead and Another Injured at Avalon Fishing Pier
Shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier Leaves One Dead in Kill Devil Hills
Shooting Incident at Avalon Fishing Pier Leaves One Dead and Another Critical
Additional Resources
- Wave: Kill Devil Hills Community Shaken After Fatal Shooting
- Wikipedia: Kill Devil Hills
- WTKR: Teen Seriously Hurt After Shooting
- Google Search: Avalon Fishing Pier Shooting
- The Coastland Times: One Dead, One Airlifted in Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks
- Hindustan Times: Kill Devil Hills Shooting
- Google News: Kill Devil Hills 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.
