Crime
Victim killed in Nashua Sky Meadow Country Club wedding shooting identified as 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare
NASHUA, N.H. — Authorities have announced an arrest in connection with the deadly shooting at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua on September 20, 2025, an incident that left one man dead and several others wounded during a wedding reception.
New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke confirmed that Hunter Nadeau, 23, has been charged with one count of second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Robert Steven DeCesare, 59.
Investigators say Nadeau 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.
DeCesare was fatally struck, while two other adults were wounded. Officials have stated that there is no known prior connection between Nadeau and DeCesare.
Prosecutors indicated that additional charges are expected, including for the surviving victims who were injured in the attack.
Nadeau is scheduled to be arraigned in Ninth Circuit Court in Nashua on Monday, September 22, 2025.
In accordance with legal procedure, authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations at this stage, and Nadeau is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Attorney General’s Office noted that more details will be released as the investigation progresses but stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of ongoing proceedings.
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.