MANTEO, N.C. — Outside the Dare County Justice Center, Nicole Hassell expressed her anguish and frustration over the killing of her son, Zane Hughes, who was shot at Avalon Pier two weeks ago. The 19-year-old was allegedly killed in a confrontation, and his mother believes the tragedy was preventable.
Hassell’s distress stems from a perceived lack of accountability from law enforcement and the district attorney’s office regarding the investigation. “I know my son’s murder didn’t have to happen,” she stated, urging for better communication and transparency from authorities.
Zane Hughes was fatally shot on July 31, leading to the arrest of 16-year-old Henry Hargis, who is being charged as an adult. Hargis faces serious charges, including first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. A bystander was also injured during the incident but survived the shooting.
Hassell has expressed dissatisfaction with the way her questions are being handled. “We are victims, and we deserve answers,” she said, emphasizing that the family’s need for clarity should be a priority.
Adding to her concerns, Hassell referenced a May 2024 police report detailing Hargis’s alleged involvement in a burglary connected to her son. The report indicates that Hughes was named as a suspect in the burglary, which Hassell believes complicates the case further.
The document reveals that Hargis had reportedly claimed to be creating a firearm using parts purchased online in tandem with a 3D printer. To Hassell, this raises significant red flags about Hargis’s activities leading up to the shooting. “He should have been charged for producing firearms illegally,” she asserted.
On Friday, Dare County District Attorney Jeff Cruden addressed the ongoing tensions between him and Hassell. While he expressed sympathy for her loss, he indicated that her focus was misplaced. “My condolences are with her, but she seems fixed on issues that aren’t directly relevant to the current prosecution,” Cruden stated.
He detailed the nature of his discussions with Hassell, aiming to establish a collaborative relationship as the investigation unfolds. Cruden noted the challenges he faces representing families in similar tragic situations, underscoring the emotional weight that accompanies such cases.
Hassell clarified her intentions in speaking to the media. “I want to shed light on the failures of law enforcement, not to undermine the investigation,” she said, standing firm in her conviction.
As investigations progress, authorities have confirmed the recovery of a weapon during Hargis’s arrest, but it remains unclear if it was the firearm used in the shooting. The next court date for Hargis is set for October, leaving the community and Hughes’s family still seeking justice and answers.