Quick Read
- Hunter Nadeau, 23, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder after a shooting at Sky Meadow Country Club.
- Robert DeCesare, 59, died shielding his family; two others suffered gunshot wounds.
- The shooting occurred during a wedding reception with over 100 attendees.
- A guest struck the gunman with a chair, stopping further violence.
- No known connection between suspect and victims; motive remains unclear.
Hunter Nadeau Arrested After Sky Meadow Shooting Leaves One Dead
On Saturday night, September 20, 2025, the tranquil atmosphere of Nashua’s Sky Meadow Country Club was shattered by gunfire—a shocking event that would leave one man dead, several others injured, and an entire community grappling with questions and grief.
At around 7:30 p.m., as over 100 guests gathered for a wedding reception and dinner, chaos erupted. According to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, Hunter Nadeau, a 23-year-old resident of Nashua, allegedly entered the club with a handgun and began shooting. The attack claimed the life of Robert Steven DeCesare, 59, who, witnesses say, courageously placed himself between the shooter and his family.
The Scene: Panic, Heroism, and Swift Response
“He kicked the door open, and Rob just went right for him and protected his family,” recalled DeCesare’s mother, Evie O’Rourke, speaking to WMUR. “We don’t know any information more about it other than they have arrested him, but boy, is he going to be missed. He’s just a great guy.” DeCesare’s act of bravery, shielding his wife and daughter, was echoed in the stories shared by those present.
Witnesses described a scene that began as confusion and quickly escalated into panic. Initially, some thought the popping sounds were balloons—fitting for a celebration. “At first, I didn’t realize it was gunshots. It sounded like balloons, you know, cause we’re at a festival, thinking somebody popped a balloon. Then you look around, and we didn’t have balloons. Then it got serious,” said guest Tom Bartelson to CBS Boston.
In the midst of chaos, one attendee grabbed a chair and struck the gunman, causing him to drop his weapon and flee toward the kitchen. “He probably saved a bunch of lives from doing that,” said wedding DJ Michael Homewood, noting the quick-thinking intervention likely prevented further tragedy.
Meanwhile, trained guests and staff acted on their instincts and preparedness. Sophie Flabouris, a teacher at the wedding, described how her ALICE training guided her actions: “You don’t evacuate when a shooter is right there. At this point, you barricade, counter, so you have all those things in place. So I hid under a table. Then your next thought is Am I safe here?”
Casualties and Injuries: The Toll of a Single Night
Sky Meadow Country Club’s restaurant and adjoining ballroom had become a scene of horror. In addition to DeCesare’s death, two other people sustained gunshot wounds—one to the face and one to the hand. Nashua Fire Rescue reported that multiple others suffered traumatic injuries as they scrambled for safety: broken hands, blunt force trauma, chest pains, panic attacks, and lacerations. Some victims were treated at a nearby fire station before being transferred to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Police and first responders triaged and transported the wounded, while others self-evacuated to safety. In total, at least three gunshot wound victims were reported, with additional injuries stemming from the stampede and emotional distress. The final count of those affected remains unclear.
Investigation: No Known Motive, No Connection
The rapid response from law enforcement—including officers from over a dozen New Hampshire and Massachusetts communities—secured the scene and quickly detained Nadeau. Initial fears of a second suspect were dispelled after thorough investigation. The Attorney General’s Office stated there was no known connection between Nadeau and DeCesare, nor between Nadeau and the wedding party, deepening the mystery surrounding the motive.
During the shooting, witnesses heard Nadeau shout, “The children are safe,” and “Free Palestine.” Investigators have not commented on these statements or any possible links to motive, citing an ongoing investigation. A Toyota RAV4, believed to be connected to the suspect, was seen towed from the scene late Saturday night.
Governor Kelly Ayotte extended condolences: “Joe and I are praying for the victims and their families of the tragic shooting last night at Sky Meadow Country Club. I want to thank Chief Rourke, the Nashua Police Department, and all of the first responders who reacted quickly to secure the scene and detain the suspect.”
Sky Meadow Country Club issued a statement noting their cooperation with law enforcement but declined further comment due to the active investigation.
Aftermath: Trauma and Community Support
The emotional aftermath rippled through Nashua and beyond. The wedding, meant to be a joyous occasion, became a scene of tragedy. “Their wedding got ruined. Comparatively to losing a life. But for these people, they came to celebrate something big and it got completely destroyed,” said Homewood. The Sheraton Nashua served as a reunification point for guests and families, with the Red Cross and therapy dogs on site to assist victims with trauma.
As the investigation continues, many are left searching for answers—how could such violence erupt in a place meant for celebration and community? The effects linger, not just for those physically injured, but for all whose sense of safety was shattered in an instant.
Hunter Nadeau faces a second-degree murder charge and is scheduled for arraignment at the Ninth Circuit Court in Nashua on Monday. Authorities expect further charges as details emerge.
In the words of a witness: “It goes on far too often in this country. I don’t know what’s going to change, but something needs to change.” The Nashua community, like so many before, now faces the long road to healing after a night they will never forget.
The facts surrounding the shooting at Sky Meadow Country Club highlight the unpredictable nature of public violence and the profound impact it can have on individuals and communities. While law enforcement acted swiftly and heroically to contain the situation, the lack of a clear motive leaves lingering unease. The courage of those present, from DeCesare’s selfless act to the quick actions of guests and responders, underscores both the vulnerability and the resilience found in moments of crisis.