Kill Devil Hills, September 11, 2025
News Summary
In a tragic incident at Avalon Pier, two teenagers, Kayden Lindsey and Zachary Rose, have been charged in connection with the shooting death of 19-year-old Zane Hughes. Both aged 17, they are currently held in juvenile detention after being charged with serious offenses, including first-degree murder and aiding and abetting a murder. Another teen, Henry Lee Hargis, previously charged with first-degree murder, allegedly used a 3D printed gun during the shooting. The events have ignited concerns about gun violence in the community as the investigation continues.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina – Two more teenagers have been charged in connection with a shooting incident that occurred at Avalon Pier on July 31, resulting in the death of 19-year-old Zane Hughes. The two suspects, Kayden Lindsey and Zachary Rose, both 17 years old, face serious charges related to the tragic event. Lindsey has been charged with first-degree murder as an accessory before the fact, while Rose is accused of aiding and abetting first-degree murder. Both teenagers are currently being held in juvenile detention centers with a bond set at $750,000.
The altercation at Avalon Pier, a well-known fishing and recreation hotspot in Kill Devil Hills, took place around 2:37 p.m. The shooting left Hughes dead at the scene, and a 15-year-old bystander injured. Emergency responders arrived four minutes after the incident was reported, attending to the victims. Witnesses provided information that led to the prompt arrest of another teenager, 16-year-old Henry Lee Hargis, who was charged with first-degree murder shortly after the shooting.
Police reports indicate a prior connection between Hughes and Hargis, including mentions of Hughes previously being a suspect in a burglary at Hargis’s residence. The investigation into the shooting has revealed that Hargis allegedly admitted to creating a 3D printed “ghost” gun, which he is believed to have used during the incident. However, authorities have not confirmed whether this was the actual weapon involved in the shooting.
As the investigation continues, Hughes’s mother has called for actions that would help prevent similar tragedies in the future. The judicial process for Lindsey and Rose is underway, with a grand jury appearance scheduled for September 15 and a court date set for September 23. The incident has raised concerns surrounding gun violence and the implications for community safety in the region.
Avalon Pier, built in 1958, has long been a staple of recreational activity in the Outer Banks, known for its fishing, arcade, and bar facilities. The pier has a rich history and remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
In light of the summer’s close, businesses in the Outer Banks are evaluating seasonal performance. Despite earlier indications of slower bookings for the summer of 2025, many establishments, including the Outer Banks Motor Lodge and Capt’n Franks, reported strong business outcomes. Linda Sabadic, the general manager of the Outer Banks Motor Lodge, noted that while reservations showed a trend of shorter booking periods, the overall revenue remained positive.
Harvey Hess, owner of Capt’n Franks, highlighted a changing dining landscape in the Outer Banks, with an increase in restaurant options contributing to a successful summer season. This shift has allowed businesses to become less reliant on peak summer months for financial viability, as shoulder seasons are reportedly becoming busier.
Despite a reported 10.64% drop in short-term rental occupancy for June 2025 compared to the previous year, Sabadic emphasized a continual strong desire among visitors to experience the Outer Banks.
FAQ
- What happened at Avalon Pier on July 31?
- On July 31, a shooting occurred at Avalon Pier, resulting in the death of 19-year-old Zane Hughes and injuring a 15-year-old bystander. Three teenagers have been charged in relation to the incident.
- Who has been charged in connection with the shooting?
- Kayden Lindsey and Zachary Rose, both 17 years old, face charges of first-degree murder as an accessory and aiding and abetting murder, respectively. Henry Lee Hargis, 16, is charged with first-degree murder.
- What is a “ghost gun”?
- A “ghost gun” refers to a firearm that can be made at home and lacks a serial number, making it difficult to trace. These weapons can be created using parts purchased online and may require no background check.
- When is the court date for Lindsey and Rose?
- Lindsey and Rose are scheduled to appear before a grand jury on September 15 with a subsequent court date on September 23.
- How has the business season been in the Outer Banks this summer?
- Despite initial concerns about bookings, businesses like the Outer Banks Motor Lodge reported a strong summer season with positive overall revenue, despite a decrease in rental occupancy rates.
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Additional Resources
- WTKR: Two More Face Murder Charges in Avalon Pier Shooting
- Pilot Online: Two More Arrested in Connection with Outer Banks Shooting
- WITN: Two More Teens Charged in Avalon Pier Shooting
- CBS 17: Swimming Advisory Issued for Site in OBX
- 13 News Now: NC Teens Arrested in Avalon Pier Shooting
- Wikipedia: Ghost Gun
- Google Search: Outer Banks shooting
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks
- 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.
