CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — In a devastating incident at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire, a shooting left one person dead and two others wounded during a wedding event. Authorities have charged 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau, a former employee of the club, with second-degree murder. He is scheduled to appear in court.
Victim Robert DeCesare Jr., 59, was killed while trying to shield his wife, Charlene, from the gunfire, prompting her to describe him as a hero in a subsequent message. The chaos was reportedly caused by Nadeau, who made alarming statements during the attack.
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella credited the patrons at the wedding for their heroic attempts to stop the gunman, with one witness noting how a DJ swung a chair at Nadeau to subdue him. 'He probably saved a bunch of lives just doing that,' said Michael Homewood, the DJ.
Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke indicated that additional charges could arise as the investigation unfolds. Currently, one of the injured victims, a country club employee, is hospitalized in critical condition. The other is a patron, and their status remains uncertain. At least four others sustained injuries from various causes during the stampede that ensued.
After the incident, community leaders and local officials expressed their sorrow. Rob Parsons, the owner of the country club, shared his heartbreak over the shooting, emphasizing the need for support for the victims and their families.
Investigators continue to look into the shooter's potential motives, with Formella noting that no known connection exists between Nadeau and DeCesare. Initial fears of multiple shooters have been dispelled, consolidating the investigation focus on a single assailant and the circumstances leading up to this tragic event.
As communities mourn the loss and seek justice, individuals are reminded of the importance of solidarity in times of distress, with many expressing their prayers and support for the victims' families.
