Crime
Nashua Sky Meadow Country Club wedding shooting suspect identified as 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau
NASHUA, N.H. — A wedding celebration turned into tragedy on Saturday night when an armed gunman opened fire during a reception at the Sky Meadow Country Club, killing one guest and injuring several others as the bride and groom were about to begin their first dance.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Hunter Nadeau, 23, who was taken into custody shortly after the attack.
Nadeau has been charged with murder and is expected to face additional charges related to the injured victims.
He is scheduled to be arraigned in Ninth Circuit Court in Nashua on Monday.
According to witnesses, the suspect entered the wedding reception wearing a mask, raised his middle finger toward guests, and shouted “Free Palestine” and “the children are safe” before opening fire.
The victim has been identified as Robert Steven DeCesare, 59, who was fatally shot during the chaos. Witnesses reported hearing as many as six gunshots.
Tom Bartelson, the groom’s uncle, described the horrifying moment:
“We were getting together for a dance for the bride and groom and then all chaos went off. We heard about six shots, and everybody ducked for cover. Next thing you know, we’re rushed into safe spots.”
At least six other people were hospitalized with injuries sustained as they fled for safety, though none of those injuries were reported to be life-threatening.
Early reports suggested there may have been two shooters, prompting a large-scale manhunt that extended into southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.
However, investigators later confirmed that Nadeau was the sole gunman, citing video surveillance evidence.
In the immediate aftermath, frantic wedding guests became separated from family members.
Evie O’Rourke, the mother of the victim, said her family struggled to locate him in the chaos:
“We don’t know where he is. He went down. My daughter-in-law and granddaughter escaped … They saw my son go down and they saw blood, and we can’t find him.”
Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess condemned the shooting and praised the quick response of local police:
“Our hearts go out to the families of those killed or injured. Thank you to the Nashua PD for their quick work in capturing the person of interest. This truly can happen anywhere.”
Police said the investigation into a possible motive remains ongoing, and it is unclear at this time whether the shooting was targeted or random.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.