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.
CHICAGO — Authorities have launched an investigation following a fatal overnight shooting that occurred on the city’s South Side, leaving one man dead.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the incident took place shortly after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 100 block of West 44th Street, within the Grand Boulevard neighborhood.
Officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire and a person shot.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 28-year-old man lying unresponsive on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head.
The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Police have not yet released the identity of the victim, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation. No arrests have been made at this time.
Detectives from the CPD Area One unit are leading the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Area One detectives at 312-747-8380 or call 911.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at CPDtip.com to assist investigators.