NASHUA, N.H. — A shooting at the Sky Meadow Country Club on Saturday night left one man dead and two others wounded, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Hunter Nadeau, a 23-year-old former employee of the club, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the incident, which has shocked the local community.
Authorities have identified the victim as Robert Steven DeCesare, 59. He was reportedly killed with a handgun during the shooting, which occurred in the club’s restaurant, The Prime at Sky Meadow. According to New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, there is no known connection between Nadeau and DeCesare.
In addition to the fatality, a host working at the country club remains hospitalized in stable condition after being shot near the bathrooms. The identity of another injured victim has not been disclosed, and their medical status is currently unclear.
Nadeau was apprehended shortly after the incident in a neighborhood near the country club. Officials have described him as cooperative during his arrest, although law enforcement has not confirmed whether he was armed at the time of his capture. Investigators have ruled out any hate-related motives behind the shooting. Formella noted that statements allegedly made by Nadeau during the chaos appeared aimed at inciting panic, rather than revealing a clear motive.
Eyewitness accounts from guests attending a wedding at the venue paint a harrowing picture. Sophie Flabouris, who was at the event, described hearing multiple gunshots and the ensuing chaos as attendees scrambled for safety. “People started screaming and running in all directions,” she recounted.
Nashua police responded around 8:30 p.m., establishing a significant presence at the scene. Michael Homewood, another guest, reported seeing the suspected shooter moving through the kitchen area while making provocative gestures toward others. Another attendee, Tom Bartelson, noted that Nadeau shouted various phrases as he moved through the crowd, further heightening the panic.
Following the shooting, law enforcement advised families of those present at the country club to gather at a nearby hotel for reunification. The city communicated that individuals who left vehicles in the club’s parking lot could return after checking in with officers stationed there.
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu expressed condolences for the victims and gratitude to first responders in a statement. He emphasized the importance of community support during such challenging times and reassured residents that the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Nashua Police Department as they piece together the sequence of events that led to this tragic incident.