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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.