Saturday, September 5, 2026
By Outer Banks Voice on August 24, 2026
Following Superior Court Judge Andrew Womble’s decision to lower his bond, Zachary Rose, a suspect in the killing of Zane Hughes, posted bond on Aug. 21 according to court records.
Rose, along with Henry Hargis and Kayden Lindsey, has been charged with murder for the July 31, 2025 fatal shooting of Hughes, 19, at Avalon Pier.
During the recent Aug. 11 court hearing, Rose’s attorney Kris Felthousen asked Womble to lower his bond from $750,000 to $300,000 contending that Rose “is on the periphery of any situation” related to Hughes death and “is not a flight risk.” At that hearing, District Attorney Jeff Cruden, discussing the roles played by the three defendants in the killing, stated that Rose in “our assessment…is the least culpable of three.” The Outer Banks Voice – Henry Hargis has March trial date for murder of Zane Hughes; two other suspects have cases continued till October
In granting the request to lower his bond, Womble also imposed the conditions that Rose could not be away from his place of residence without being accompanied by a parent, that he could be subject to warrantless searches, and that he cannot post on social media. At that hearing, his case was continued until Oct. 12.
Of the three suspects, only Hargis remains in custody. Last December, Lindsey posted a $500,000 bond and was released. He also faces an upcoming Oct. 12 court date.
During his court appearance earlier this month, Womble set a March 1, 2027 trial date for Hargis.
