A night of celebration turned into tragedy at a wedding in New Hampshire when gunfire erupted inside a country club, leaving one man dead and two others injured.
Shooting at Sky Meadow Country Club
Guests at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire, were gathered on the dance floor late Saturday night when the festive atmosphere was shattered by the sound of gunshots.
At first, many thought balloons had popped, but panic quickly spread when it became clear that someone had opened fire inside the venue.
According to Attorney General John Formella, 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare was fatally shot, while two other adults were wounded during the attack.
Suspect Arrested and Charged
Authorities confirmed that 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
Police said there was “no known connection” between Nadeau and the victim.
Investigators believe he acted alone, despite earlier reports of two shooters.
Additional charges are expected in connection with the wounded victims.
Formella emphasised that Nadeau, who is due to be arraigned on Monday, remains innocent until proven guilty.
Eyewitness Accounts from the Wedding
Several wedding guests shared chilling details of the terrifying moments:
DeCesare’s mother described the horror of not being able to reach her son after he was shot. She said her daughter-in-law and granddaughter managed to escape unharmed.
Michael Homewood, a guest, said he noticed the shooter because he did not appear dressed for the wedding. He recalled seeing him walk across the dance floor before opening fire.
Homewood praised a brave guest who struck the shooter with a chair, dazing him and likely preventing further bloodshed. “We’re all lucky it only went as far as it did,” he said.
Victims Taken to Hospitals
Authorities confirmed that some victims were transported to hospitals in private vehicles. Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley said officials are working to confirm the total number of injured individuals.
Club and Officials Respond
The Sky Meadow Country Club released a statement through lawyer Michael E. Strauss, confirming its cooperation with law enforcement. The club declined further comment while the investigation is ongoing.
New Hampshire state senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan expressed their condolences on social media.
Shaheen called the shooting a “horrific tragedy”, stressing there is no place in the state for such “senseless violence”.
Community and Law Enforcement
Nashua, a city of over 91,000 residents, is located around 45 miles north of Boston.
The Sky Meadow Country Club sits just half a mile from the Massachusetts state line.
Police in nearby Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, confirmed that multiple agencies, including the Massachusetts State Police and the New Hampshire State Police, assisted in the response.
What Comes Next
The investigation remains active, and more charges could follow as authorities continue to gather evidence. Officials have stressed that there is currently no ongoing threat to the public.
This tragic event has shocked the New Hampshire community, turning what should have been a joyful wedding celebration into a night of grief and mourning.
Sources: Attorney General John Formella statement; Associated Press; NBC News; Sky Meadow Country Club statement; social media posts from Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan.
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