Nashua, NH – A shooting at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Saturday left one person dead and two others wounded, authorities said. The suspect, identified as nadeau, is in custody and faces a charge of second-degree murder.
The shooting occurred as wedding guests were preparing for their first dance, according to witness Michael Bartelson. “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 said. Attendees described scenes of panic, with people dropping to the ground and seeking shelter.
The victim has been identified as DeCesare. his mother, Evie O’Rourke of Salem, New Hampshire, reported witnessing her daughter-in-law and granddaughter escape while she lost sight of her son amidst the chaos. “They saw my son go down and they saw blood,” O’Rourke said.
Authorities initially investigated the possibility of two shooters but later confirmed Nadeau acted alone. According to investigators, there was no known connection between Nadeau and DeCesare.
A civilian intervened during the shooting, striking the suspect with a chair. Wedding DJ Michael Homewood told WCVB that the individual “probably saved a bunch of lives just doing that.”
Prosecutors indicated additional charges are likely to be filed related to the other shooting victims. Nadeau is scheduled to be arraigned in state court in Nashua on Monday. The conditions of the wounded victims were not instantly released.
Witness Emily Ernst described seeing a gunman wearing all black and a mask. “He had a mask on. We just saw him raise the gun and then we ran,” Ernst said, adding she fled through the kitchen.
Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess expressed confidence in the police investigation, stating, “I think the message is for every community out there is that no matter how unlikely it truly seems it can happen where you live.” New Hampshire Democratic US Representative Maggie Goodlander said she was “closely monitoring” the situation and offered support to those affected.
The Sky Meadow Country Club is located approximately 45 miles northwest of Boston, across the Massachusetts border.
