On the evening of September 20, 2025, what should have been a night of celebration at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire, turned into chaos and tragedy. As guests gathered for a wedding, gunfire erupted inside the upscale venue, leaving one man dead and two others wounded. The shocking violence rattled the local community and drew swift responses from law enforcement and public officials, as the investigation into the motive continues.
The victim, identified as 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare, was killed when a gunman opened fire in the restaurant area neighboring the wedding celebration, according to New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke, as reported by the Associated Press. Two other adults were also shot and wounded in the incident, though details about their conditions were not immediately released.
Authorities quickly identified the suspect as 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau. He was arrested at the scene and charged with one count of second-degree murder for knowingly shooting DeCesare, with additional charges expected for the other shooting victims. Nadeau is set to be arraigned at the Ninth Circuit Court in Nashua on Monday, September 22, 2025. As New Hampshire Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley stated, "Additional charges likely will be brought, including for the additional shooting victims." At this point, investigators are still working to determine a motive for the attack.
The initial moments following the shooting were filled with confusion and fear. Early police reports suggested there might have been two shooters, prompting emergency management officials to issue a shelter-in-place order for the neighboring town of Dunstable, Massachusetts. However, as the investigation progressed and surveillance footage was reviewed, authorities confirmed there was only one shooter and assured the public that there was no ongoing threat.
Witnesses described a scene of panic and terror as shots rang out. Tom Bartelson of Pepperell, Massachusetts, who was attending his nephew's wedding at the country club, recounted the moment the violence erupted. "Getting together for a dance for the bride and groom and then all chaos went off," Bartelson told AP reporters. "We heard about six shots and everybody ducked for cover and next thing you know we’re rushed into safe spots and things like that." Bartelson also reported hearing the shooter say, "the children are safe" and "free Palestine" before opening fire, suggesting the gunman may have been targeting someone specific.
Another guest, Sophie Flabouris of Lowell, described the chaos as people scrambled for safety. "Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop, and then, 'Gun, run.' And people started screaming and running," she told local news. "Some people ran out the door. Some people ran into the kitchen. People ran all different directions." Emily Ernst, who was also present, said she saw the gunman dressed in all black and wearing a mask. "We just saw him raise the gun and then we ran," she recalled, adding, "I ran through the kitchen for my life."
Family members of the victims were left searching for loved ones in the aftermath. Evie O’Rourke of Salem, New Hampshire, the mother of Robert DeCesare, described her anguish as she tried to locate her son. "He went down. My daughter in law and granddaughter escaped ... They saw my son go down and they saw blood," she told AP. For many, the horror of the night was compounded by the uncertainty and fear that lingered as police worked to secure the scene and account for all guests.
Authorities established a reunification site at the Sheraton Hotel on Tara Boulevard, where families could reconnect with loved ones. Buses transported people from the country club to the hotel, and those who had left vehicles at the venue were instructed to check in with officers to retrieve their cars. The Nashua Police Department encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, providing a direct contact number for tips.
As emergency responders converged on the country club, Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess expressed confidence in the city’s police and their ability to investigate the crime thoroughly. "I have faith in police to get to the bottom of this and bring the perpetrator to justice," he said. Donchess also offered a sobering reminder to other communities: "I think the message is for every community out there is that no matter how unlikely it seems it can happen where you live."
New Hampshire Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley addressed questions about the possible motive behind the shooting, stating, "We're dealing with the facts and the information that we gather, and once we get the facts and information and have an actual motive we can actually share, we'll certainly do that." So far, no connection has been identified between the suspect, Hunter Nadeau, and the victim, Robert DeCesare. The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together what led to the deadly attack.
The shock of the shooting reverberated far beyond the walls of the country club. U.S. Representative Maggie Goodlander issued a statement saying she was "closely monitoring the tragic reports of a shooting tonight at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua" and that her heart was with the victims, their families, and the broader community.
Sky Meadow Country Club, located about 45 miles (70 kilometers) northwest of Boston and just across the Massachusetts border, was the site of an event that will not soon be forgotten by those present. The restaurant where the shooting occurred is adjacent to the main wedding celebration area, and several witnesses noted that the violence seemed targeted rather than random, though officials have not confirmed any specific motive.
Throughout the night, law enforcement maintained a heavy presence at the club and nearby areas, ensuring the safety of guests and residents. The city of Nashua issued statements to keep the public informed and provided logistical support for families affected by the tragedy. As the community grapples with the aftermath, many praised the quick response of first responders and the coordinated efforts to reunite separated families.
As of Sunday, the investigation continues, with authorities urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has information about the suspect’s actions to contact the Nashua Police Department. While the motive remains unclear, officials have reiterated that there is no ongoing threat to the public and that the suspect is in custody.
The events at Sky Meadow Country Club serve as a stark reminder that violence can strike even in the most unexpected places. As Nashua and its neighboring communities begin to heal, the search for answers—and justice—continues.
