On a quiet Saturday evening, tragedy struck the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire, when a former employee allegedly opened fire, claiming the life of a beloved community member and injuring several others. The shocking incident, which unfolded on September 20, 2025, has left the DeCesare family mourning, a community reeling, and authorities searching for answers as the investigation continues.
According to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau entered the country club and fired multiple gunshots, fatally wounding Robert Steven DeCesare, 59. Two others, including a club employee, were also shot and wounded, while four more suffered injuries not caused by gunfire. The club, known for its golf course, restaurant, and wedding venue, was bustling with activity at the time, with a wedding reception underway and dozens of patrons present.
Authorities quickly responded, and Nadeau was apprehended in a nearby neighborhood. On Monday, September 22, Nadeau made his first court appearance by video from jail, wearing a green smock and speaking only to answer the judge’s questions. He waived his arraignment, did not enter a plea, and was ordered held without bail on a second-degree murder charge. A probable cause hearing has been scheduled for early October, and prosecutors expect additional charges to be filed within 90 days as the case heads to a grand jury. The court has sealed the probable cause affidavit, limiting the information available to the public for now.
The aftermath of the shooting has been marked by an outpouring of grief and support for the DeCesare family. Charlene DeCesare, Robert’s wife of 27 years, described her late husband as a man deeply loved by his family and friends. In a statement to ABC News, she said, "You'd be hard pressed to find a man more loved, not only by his family but by his many groups of friends from golf, poker and pickleball." She added, "I cannot say enough how grateful I am for the outpouring of support from our friends and community. The stellar kindness and professionalism from everyone I have interacted with at Nashua PD and the AG has also been so appreciated."
Charlene DeCesare also urged the public to refrain from speculating about the shooter’s motive. "I'd also caution everyone to beware the speculation and utter nonsense that is being posted about what happened and why. It's only making it harder for everyone involved, including the police who are trying to do their job," she said. The family’s pain is compounded by the fact that Robert was preparing for his daughter’s wedding, just six weeks away at the time of the tragedy.
Robert’s mother, Evie O’Rourke, recounted to WCVB the selfless actions of her son, who, she believes, put himself between the gunman and his family. "He did what I'm sure was his instinct to do. Like I said, he was facing the shooter, not trying to get away, and that's what his wife said," O’Rourke explained. "I'm still in shock seeing the shooting, but I know he did this: His thought was to take care of his family."
Authorities have confirmed that there is no known connection between Nadeau and DeCesare. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and officials have cautioned against drawing premature conclusions. New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella stated that Nadeau made several statements during the shooting, apparently attempting to create chaos. While some witnesses reported hearing the gunman shout phrases such as "Free Palestine," Formella emphasized that there is no evidence the attack was hate-based or targeted. Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley echoed that the motives are still being determined and that more charges are likely as the investigation progresses.
In the chaos that followed the gunfire, patrons and staff at the country club acted with remarkable courage. According to The Associated Press, witnesses described a scene of panic as people ducked for cover and scrambled to safety. Michael Homewood, a DJ working a wedding at the club that night, told WCVB-TV that someone struck Nadeau with a chair in an effort to subdue him. "He hit him over the head with a chair, and he probably saved a bunch of lives just doing that," Homewood recalled. Nashua Fire Rescue reported that about 100 people were assisted from the scene to a nearby firehouse, mostly on foot, as emergency responders worked swiftly to secure the area and tend to the wounded.
The two gunshot victims who survived remained hospitalized on Monday, with one in stable condition and the other in serious condition, according to Hinckley. In addition to gunshot wounds, others suffered injuries such as lacerations, a broken hand, and blunt force trauma. The Nashua Police Department initially reported that two armed suspects had fled the scene, but surveillance footage later confirmed that Nadeau acted alone.
Rob Parsons, owner of the Sky Meadow Country Club, addressed the community’s pain and praised the bravery of those who intervened. In a prepared statement, Parsons said, "This was the heinous act of a coward, who will be held accountable for what he did." He continued, "To the DeCesare family, there are no words to express the pain and sorrow you and our community are feeling over Robert's murder. He is a hero." Parsons also shared that he has lived in the golf course community for over 20 years and has been moved by the support received from neighbors and friends, including more than 3,000 messages.
Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess called the shooting a tragedy and expressed his condolences to the DeCesare family and all those affected. New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte also issued a statement, promising that the attorney general’s office would assist Nashua police with the ongoing investigation and offering prayers for the victims and their families.
As the investigation unfolds, more details about Nadeau’s background have emerged. Court documents reveal that he was charged in April with simple assault after allegedly shoving a grocery store manager to the ground in February. That misdemeanor charge was placed on file with the agreement it would be dismissed if Nadeau remained on good behavior for 12 months. Nadeau had worked at the country club for about a year prior to the shooting, though authorities have yet to establish any motive or specific grievance related to his employment.
The Sky Meadow community, along with the DeCesare family, is determined to find solace and strength in the face of this senseless act of violence. In a statement read by Parsons, Charlene DeCesare made clear her commitment to the place she calls home: "Everyone needs to know I am not leaving Sky Meadow, and I’m not leaving this community. This is my solace. This is my home."
While the pain of loss lingers and questions remain unanswered, the courage displayed by patrons, first responders, and the DeCesare family has been a beacon of hope. The community continues to rally around those affected, determined not to let violence define their sense of safety or belonging.
