One Dead, Several Injured in Shooting at New Hampshire Country Club During Wedding Celebration
Authorities in New Hampshire are investigating a deadly shooting that erupted during a wedding at a Nashua country club over the weekend, leaving one person dead and multiple others injured.
The violence broke out Saturday evening, Sept. 20, at the Sky Meadow Country Club, where a gunman allegedly entered the venue and opened fire. According to New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella, one man was killed in the attack and several others sustained injuries before officers were able to detain the shooter.
“The suspected shooter was detained on-scene by Nashua police officers,” the state’s Department of Justice confirmed in a statement released late Saturday night.
Initial reports from the Nashua Police Department suggested that two armed suspects had fled the scene following the shooting. That information was shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter), raising alarm across the city. However, further investigation — including a review of video surveillance footage — revealed that only a single individual was involved. Police later issued a correction to clarify the situation.
In an updated briefing, Attorney General Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke identified the suspect as 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau. Authorities confirmed that Nadeau was taken into custody and is facing charges in connection with the deadly attack.
Officials have not yet released the name of the victim who was killed, nor have they provided details about the number of people injured or the severity of their conditions. Investigators continue to work the case, interviewing witnesses and piecing together a timeline of the shooting that sent shockwaves through what was meant to be a night of celebration.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials said additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Suspect Identified in Deadly New Hampshire Country Club Shooting; Victim Named as 59-Year-Old Man
Authorities say the man arrested in connection with Saturday’s deadly shooting at a Nashua country club has been identified as 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau. He is accused of fatally shooting Robert Steven DeCesare, 59, with a handgun, despite investigators noting there appears to be “no known connection” between the two men.
In addition to killing DeCesare, officials allege Nadeau “shot and wounded” two other adults during the incident. “Hunter Nadeau has been charged with one count of second-degree murder for knowingly shooting Mr. DeCesare,” the New Hampshire Department of Justice confirmed in a statement. “Additional charges likely will be brought, including for the additional shooting victims.”
The shooting unfolded near a restaurant inside Sky Meadow Country Club, where a wedding party was underway with hundreds of guests gathered to celebrate. According to local station WDHD 7News, attendees heard the gunfire and frantically fled from the suspect.
One witness told the outlet that someone confronted the gunman in the chaos, striking him over the head with a chair before he fled the immediate area.
Another guest recalled how the joyous atmosphere shifted in an instant. “The bride just came over to me and gave me three plates, saying, ‘you’re going to give this to me, you’re gonna give us … to my husband,’” she said. “But we never got to that point … because that’s when we heard pop, pop, pop … a wall away.”
Panicked, she ran for safety. “I ran the opposite direction. To my right was the entrance to the prime restaurant where the shooter was, where [we] heard the shots, so I didn’t want to go out that direction,” she explained.
Investigators continue to piece together what led up to the attack as the community reels from a night that was meant to be filled with celebration but instead turned into tragedy.
Officials, Community Leaders Respond After Shooting at Sky Meadow Country Club
The Sky Meadow Country Club, located on a golf course in Nashua, is known for hosting weddings, private parties, and other events, according to its website. But on Saturday evening, the venue became the scene of tragedy after a shooting left one man dead and several others injured.
Elected officials were quick to respond. Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander addressed the incident in a statement posted on X, writing, “I’m closely monitoring the tragic reports of a shooting tonight at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua. My heart is with the victims, their families, and the entire Nashua community as we await more information.”
The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and the Nashua Police Department are actively investigating the case. Authorities have urged anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact the Nashua Police Department at 603-594-3500.
Requests for further comment from both the attorney general’s office and the police remain pending.
