New Hampshire wedding shooting at country club leaves one dead; suspect charged with murder
Authorities say a wedding celebration at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua was interrupted by gunfire. A 59-year-old man died; a 23-year-old former club employee faces second-degree murder charges as investigators seek motive.
A man was killed and two others were wounded when gunfire erupted during a wedding at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Saturday night, authorities said. The suspected shooter, Hunter Nadeau, 23, of Nashua, a former employee of the club, was detained within minutes and now faces a charge of second-degree murder in the death of 59-year-old Robert DeCesare Jr.
The shooting lasted less than a minute, according to New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, who added that witnesses reported a chaotic scene as guests sought cover and staff directed them to safety. One attendee described hearing about six shots and watching as people moved to designated safe spots.
We heard about six shots and everybody ducked for cover and next thing you know we’re rushed into safe spots and things like that, a wedding guest said, per the Associated Press. The episode unfolded during a reception-like moment as the couple celebrated in the Nashua venue.
Authorities say the shooter made a number of statements during the event, but Formella said there is no evidence at this time that the suspect was motivated by hate-based intent. Some witnesses reported hearing a shout about a political cause, but the attorney general emphasized that investigators are pursuing all leads and that the available evidence points to chaos-driven remarks rather than a targeted bias motive.
The victim, Robert DeCesare Jr., 59, was described by his wife Charlene as a devoted husband and father whose death is an unthinkable blow to their family. Charlene shared that Rob grew up in Salem, New Hampshire, before moving to Nashua two years ago, and that he had worked hard his whole life and dreamed of retirement on a boat in the Caribbean. She recalled upcoming milestones, including her daughter’s wedding later this year and their 27th wedding anniversary, and said Rob would have celebrated his 60th birthday in the weeks ahead.
Charlene DeCesare told Fox News Digital that she has been grateful for the outpouring of support from friends and the Sky Meadow community and urged people not to engage in speculation about the case. She stressed that investigators and police officers have been professional and supportive throughout the ordeal.
Hunter Nadeau, identified by authorities as the shooter, is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in the Ninth Circuit Court in Nashua on the murder charge. Police said two other people were wounded in the attack, and four additional individuals reported non-gunshot injuries. Investigators expect to file additional charges related to those victims as the investigation continues. The club’s owner, Rob Parsons, described DeCesare as a hero for the restraint and efforts by patrons and employees to curb further bloodshed, and noted the casualties included a guest and a club employee who were hospitalized and are recovering.
There is no known connection between Nadeau and DeCesare, authorities said. The shooting occurred at a time when the Sky Meadow Country Club was hosting a wedding celebration and drew attention from law enforcement, medical crews, and witnesses across the venue and nearby areas. An American Red Cross Disaster Relief van was parked outside a hotel serving as a reunification center for families affected by the shooting, as responders worked to locate and identify those involved and coordinate care for victims and relatives.
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and Nashua Police Department are leading the investigation, with assistance from regional partners. Officials encouraged anyone with information to contact the Nashua Police Department at 603-594-3500. The Associated Press contributed to the reporting.
As the community processes the shock of the weekend’s events, family members and friends are focusing on healing and supporting those affected. Charlene DeCesare asked the public to be mindful of the ongoing investigation and to trust that the authorities are pursuing every lead to determine the full sequence of events and the motive behind the attack.
Image updates and further details are expected as prosecutors build the case for the arraignment next week and as investigators review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and corroborate forensic findings. The Sky Meadow incident marks a stark reminder of how quickly a celebratory moment can turn into tragedy, and it underscores the ongoing need for safety measures and intervention resources at public venues where large gatherings take place.
