CARVER, Mass. — A tragic shooting at a child’s birthday celebration has resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old man, who faces multiple murder charges following the incident that left two individuals dead.
Nicholas Meuse was apprehended late Saturday night after local police responded to a report of gunfire at the Saint John the Baptist Club around 7:21 p.m., according to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s office. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered four victims who had been shot. Benjamin Cowart, 27, succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while 20-year-old Jalen Pina was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Plymouth.
Two additional victims, aged 28 and 32, remain hospitalized in critical condition as authorities work to understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Meuse was located a short distance away from the club later that evening and subsequently taken into custody.
The charges against Meuse include two counts of murder and two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, along with several firearm-related offenses. Investigators have indicated that the shooting appeared to be targeted and assured the community that there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to gather more details about what led to the violence at the gathering. Witnesses described the event as a celebration turned chaotic, with families and children in attendance when the shots rang out.
Meuse is scheduled for arraignment in Wareham District Court on Monday. As the community grapples with the repercussions of this tragic event, officials are encouraging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.