News Summary
In a shocking incident at the Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, a 16-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder after a shooting that left one victim dead and another seriously injured. The suspect, Henry Lee Hargis, was arrested following a traffic stop, as the local community grapples with the violence that disrupted the tranquility of the area. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple law enforcement agencies assisting in uncovering the details of the tragic event.
Kill Devil Hills
A 16-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder following a shooting that took place at the Avalon Fishing Pier in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, on Thursday afternoon. The incident resulted in the death of one victim and serious injuries to another, shocking the local community and visitors alike.
Police received reports of shots fired at approximately 2:37 p.m.. First responders arrived on the scene within four minutes to find two individuals shot in the parking lot. Tragically, one victim, identified as 19-year-old Zane Hughes, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other victim, a 15-year-old boy visiting from Pennsylvania, sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh and was medflighted to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for treatment of his serious injuries.
The alleged shooter, identified as Henry Lee Hargis, was taken into custody following a traffic stop by Southern Shores Police at approximately 3:19 p.m.. Hargis is currently being held at a juvenile detention facility in Greenville, North Carolina, without bond. In addition to murder, he faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury. His next court appearance is set for August 12.
Witnesses present at the pier reported hearing multiple gunshots and quickly sought cover when the chaos erupted. An employee from a nearby store confirmed that a shooting had occurred at the pier. Law enforcement officials utilized witness descriptions to locate and apprehend the suspect, while a weapon was found in Hargis’s vehicle.
The Kill Devil Hills Police Department has received assistance from multiple agencies during this ongoing investigation, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Dare County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant Chief Dana Harris commented on the unprecedented nature of the event, noting that in his nearly five decades of experience in law enforcement, he has never encountered such violence in the area.
In light of the incident, the Avalon Fishing Pier has been closed and will remain closed until further notice, leaving local tourists in shock. Many expressed disbelief that such violence could occur in a place known for its tranquility and safety, underscoring the seriousness of the situation and its impact on the community.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with officials continuing to piece together the events that led to this tragic incident.
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Additional Resources
- WRAL: Kill Devil Hills Shooting
- Wikipedia: Kill Devil Hills
- WAVY: Police Investigate Shooting
- Google Search: Kill Devil Hills shooting
- Hindustan Times: Kill Devil Hills Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks
- 13 News Now: Avalon Pier Shooting
- Google News: Avalon Fishing 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.
