News Summary
A double shooting at Avalon Fishing Pier parking lot in Kill Devil Hills has resulted in the death of a teenager and left another critically injured. The incident, occurring in the afternoon, involved a confrontation among teenagers. Authorities arrested a 16-year-old in connection with the incident, which is believed to be targeted and isolated. The community is in shock as it navigates the aftermath of this tragic event, raising concerns over youth violence.
KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. – A double shooting at the Avalon Fishing Pier parking lot on Thursday has left one teenager dead and another critically injured. The incident occurred at approximately 2:37 PM, prompting immediate response from law enforcement after multiple calls regarding gunfire were received.
First responders arrived on the scene within just four minutes of the initial reports. They found 19-year-old Zane Hughes of Colington, N.C. suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite attempts to save him, Hughes was pronounced dead at the site of the shooting. A second victim, a 15-year-old boy who has not been publicly identified, sustained a serious injury after being shot in the thigh. He was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and is expected to recover from his wounds.
Authorities have arrested Henry Lee Hargis, a 16-year-old resident of Kill Devil Hills, in connection with the shooting. Hargis has been charged with first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. He was taken into custody during a traffic stop at 3:19 PM, approximately 40 minutes after the shooting took place.
Investigators believe the shooting was isolated and targeted, indicating that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. A vehicle involved in the shooting has been located, and a weapon has been recovered by police. Witnesses reported that the confrontation leading to the shooting escalated among a group of teenagers, with descriptions of the shooter aiding law enforcement in swiftly identifying and apprehending Hargis.
The injured teenager’s mother stated that her son was merely a bystander during the altercation that led to the tragic events. This incident has shocked the local community, which is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and peaceful surroundings. Residents reported hearing multiple gunshots and many sought immediate cover during the chaos.
The response to the incident involved the combined efforts of various agencies, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Dare County Sheriff’s Office. Police have indicated that they are limiting the details released to the public in order to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation and ensure justice is served.
This tragic event adds to the growing concern over youth violence in communities nationwide, drawing attention to the importance of addressing conflict among teenagers before it escalates to violence. The Kill Devil Hills community is now left navigating the aftermath of this senseless act, with many residents expressing their condolences for the Hughes family and hoping for the swift recovery of the injured teenager.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and encourage anyone with information to come forward. Community gatherings and discussions about safety and conflict resolution are anticipated as residents seek to support one another during this difficult time.
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Additional Resources
- WAVY: Kill Devil Hills Community Still Shaken After Fatal Shooting
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- WTKR: Teen Seriously Hurt After Getting Shot at Avalon Fishing Pier
- Google Search: Kill Devil Hills shooting
- WRAL: One Person Shot at Outer Banks Pier
- Google Scholar: Youth Violence in Communities
- Hindustan Times: Kill Devil Hills Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Youth Violence
- The Coastland Times: One Dead, One Airlifted in Shooting at Avalon Pier
- Google News: Kill Devil Hills Avalon Pier
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.
