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A New Hampshire man has been identified as the victim of a fatal shooting during a wedding celebration at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua. The deceased, 59-year-old Robert “Rob” Steven DeCesare, was shot on Saturday night as chaos erupted at the event.
Authorities allege that 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau, a former employee of the country club, opened fire, resulting in DeCesare’s death and injuring two other attendees. Nadeau was apprehended shortly after the shooting took place. He now faces second-degree murder charges, with the incident reportedly lasting less than a minute, as stated by New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella.
Witness Recounts the Horrific Scene
Tom Bartelson, who was attending his nephew’s wedding, described the scene to the Associated Press. Bartelson recalled a moment of joy quickly turning into terror. He said, “We heard about six shots and everybody ducked for cover. Next thing you know, we’re rushed into safe spots as chaos ensued.”
Witness accounts reveal that during the shooting, Nadeau yelled “free Palestine.” However, Attorney General Formella clarified that while the shooter made several statements throughout the ordeal, there is currently no evidence suggesting that his actions were motivated by hate. Formella emphasized, “At this point, the evidence leads us to believe that it is more likely that Mr. Nadeau was simply trying to create chaos in the moment.”
Remembering a Life Cut Short
In a heartfelt statement to Fox News Digital, Charlene DeCesare, the victim’s wife, mourned the loss of her husband, describing Robert as a devoted husband, father, and friend. She reflected on how their lives changed drastically weeks before significant family milestones. Charlene revealed that they had moved to Nashua two years ago from Salem.
She shared insights into Robert’s character, saying, “You’d be hard-pressed to find a man more loved, not only by his family but also by his many friends from golf, poker, and pickleball. Rob worked incredibly hard for everything he had. His dream was to eventually retire, sell everything, and live on a boat in the Caribbean. That dream and so many others will never come true.”
Charlene’s sorrow deepened as she recounted how Robert was set to walk their daughter down the aisle at her upcoming wedding. She reflected on the family’s grief, noting, “Rob’s two sons no longer have their father. We are also heartbroken that we were preparing to celebrate Rob’s 60th birthday and our 27th wedding anniversary, which will not happen now.”
Despite her heartache, Charlene expressed gratitude for the support from the community. She stated, “I cannot say enough how grateful I am for the outpouring of support from our friends and community. The kindness displayed by the people of Sky Meadow and the professionalism from everyone I have interacted with at Nashua PD and the AG’s office has been so appreciated.”
A Call for Respect Amid Speculation
Charlene urged caution regarding the rampant speculation surrounding the incident, saying, “It’s only making it harder for everyone involved, including the police who are trying to do their job.” She emphasized the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed without misinformation hindering the process.
Focus on Healing After Tragedy
As her family navigates this traumatic event, Charlene shared their focus on healing. She proclaimed, “We are concentrating on the love and support from family and friends, trying to find any measure of healing. Our energy is here, and we must believe that justice will be served.”
Referring to the dedicated professionals assisting them, she added, “Every officer, detective, and advocate we have encountered has been absolutely incredible. We trust that the right people are working hard on our behalf to ensure justice is served.”
Details About the Shooting Incident
Authorities emphasized that there is no known connection between Nadeau and DeCesare. Sky Meadow Country Club’s owner, Rob Parsons, referred to DeCesare as a hero in his statement. Parsons expressed gratitude for the courageous efforts of patrons and employees who acted selflessly during the terrifying event. He stated, “This was the heinous act of a coward who will be held accountable for his actions.”
Parsons shared that the two injured individuals, one being a guest and the other an employee, are now recovering from their injuries. In addition to gunshot wounds, four other people sustained non-gunshot injuries during the tumultuous evening.
As investigations continue, Nadeau has been charged with second-degree murder for DeCesare’s killing. He is also likely to face additional charges stemming from the injuries of the other victims. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday, September 22, at the Ninth Circuit Court in Nashua.
Call for Information
The Attorney General’s Office, along with the Nashua police, is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. Officials are calling on anyone who may have information relevant to the case to reach out to the Nashua Police Department at 603-594-3500.
This tragic incident within a celebration should serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance as communities come together. The impact of senseless violence reaches far beyond the immediate scene, shaking the very foundations of family and friendship.
Contributions to this report have come from the Associated Press.
