A wedding celebration at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua turned into chaos Saturday evening when gunfire erupted, leaving one man dead and two others injured.
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella announced that 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau of Nashua has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting. Authorities said Nadeau opened fire with a handgun, killing 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare, also of Nashua. Investigators said the suspect and victim did not know each other.
Two additional adults were injured during the shooting, though their conditions have not yet been released.
23-year-old Hunter Nadeau of Nashua
Suspect 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau of Nashua
Initial reports suggested multiple shooters, but Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke confirmed that video surveillance showed Nadeau acted alone. Authorities said the suspect was detained at the scene and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Witness Accounts
Guests described a terrifying scene as the shooting unfolded during a wedding reception at the country club, which is known for its golf course, restaurants, and event venue.
“We heard about six shots and everybody ducked for cover,” said Tom Bartelson of Pepperell, Massachusetts, who was attending his nephew’s wedding. “Next thing you know we’re rushed into safe spots … we were trying to keep family members safe.”
Bartelson recalled hearing the shooter yell, “The children are safe” and “Free Palestine” before firing.
Emily Ernst, another guest, said she saw the gunman dressed in all black and wearing a mask. “We just saw him raise the gun and then we ran,” she said. “I ran through the kitchen for my life.”
59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare died
Meanwhile, Evie O’Rourke of Salem, N.H., frantically searched for her son, Robert DeCesare, in the aftermath. “We don’t know where he is. He went down … They saw my son go down and they saw blood, and we can’t find him,” she said before confirmation of his death was made public.
Community Reaction
Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess expressed his sorrow over the tragedy. “I have faith in police to get to the bottom of this and bring the perpetrator to justice,” he said. “The message is for every community … no matter how unlikely it seems, it can happen where you live.”
U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander also issued a statement, saying her “heart was with the victims, their families, and the community.”
DeCesare, remembered as a devoted father and son, was a native of Salem and a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan.
Investigation
Authorities are still working to determine a motive in the shooting. Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley said investigators were interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence from the scene.
Nadeau is expected to be arraigned Monday in Ninth Circuit Court, Nashua.