A 23-year-old man faces second-degree murder charges after opening fire at a New Hampshire country club during a wedding celebration, killing one person and wounding two others Saturday evening.
Hunter Nadeau was arrested and charged with knowingly shooting 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, according to New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke.
The shooting occurred as a wedding reception was underway, creating chaos as guests scrambled for safety. Witnesses described hearing approximately six gunshots before seeking cover and being evacuated to secure areas.
“Additional charges likely will be brought, including for the additional shooting victims,” officials stated. Nadeau is expected to be arraigned Monday at the Ninth Circuit Court in Nashua.
Tom Bartelson of Pepperell, Massachusetts, who attended his nephew’s wedding at the venue, described the panic that erupted. “Getting together for a dance for the bride and groom and then all chaos went off,” Bartelson said. “We heard about six shots and everybody ducked for cover.”
According to Bartelson, the shooter made statements including “the children are safe” and “free Palestine” while appearing to target specific individuals. Wedding guests dropped to the ground and attempted to flee the scene as emergency responders arrived.
DeCesare’s mother, Evie O’Rourke of Salem, New Hampshire, described the agonizing moments after the shooting. “He went down. My daughter in law and granddaughter escaped … They saw my son go down and they saw blood,” O’Rourke said.
Emily Ernst, another witness, reported seeing a masked gunman dressed in black. “He had a mask on. We just saw him raise the gun and then we ran,” Ernst said. “I ran through the kitchen for my life.”
Authorities initially believed there might be two shooters but later confirmed only one gunman was involved. Police assured the public there was no ongoing danger following Nadeau’s arrest.
Investigators continue working to establish a motive for the attack, according to New Hampshire Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley. Information about the wounded victims’ conditions was not immediately available.
Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess expressed confidence in law enforcement’s investigation while acknowledging the broader implications. “I think the message is for every community out there is that no matter how unlikely it seems it can happen where you live,” Donchess said.
U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander said she was “closely monitoring the tragic reports” and extended sympathy to victims, families, and the community.
Nashua is located approximately 45 miles northwest of Boston, just across the Massachusetts border.
