In a shocking act of violence that has left the tight-knit community of Nashua, New Hampshire, reeling, 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare was fatally shot on Saturday evening, September 20, 2025, while enjoying a family dinner at the Sky Meadow Country Club. The incident, which unfolded amid the celebrations of a nearby wedding, quickly escalated into chaos, claiming DeCesare’s life and injuring two others.
Authorities have arrested 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau in connection with the shooting, charging him with second-degree murder. As investigations continue, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of everyday moments and the profound impact of senseless violence on ordinary lives.
Robert Steven DeCesare, a devoted husband and father, was out for what should have been a routine evening meal with his wife and daughter when Nadeau allegedly entered the club’s Prime Restaurant around 7:30 p.m. The shooting not only shattered the peace of the venue but also highlighted the heroic instincts of those caught in its path. With Nadeau’s arraignment scheduled for Monday, September 22, the eyes of the nation turn to Nashua, a city now grappling with grief and questions about motive.
The Night of Horror at Sky Meadow Country Club
The Sky Meadow Country Club, nestled in the rolling hills of Nashua, is a cherished local landmark known for its scenic golf course, elegant wedding venues, and family-friendly dining options. On the evening of September 20, the club was alive with the sounds of celebration: a wedding reception was in full swing in an adjacent hall, with guests dancing and toasting under twinkling lights. In the Prime Restaurant, a cozy spot popular for its upscale American fare, families like the DeCesares savored their meals in relative tranquility.
That peace was shattered just before 8 p.m. when Hunter Nadeau, a 23-year-old Nashua resident and former employee of the club, allegedly burst into the restaurant armed with a handgun. Witnesses described a scene of utter pandemonium as Nadeau opened fire without warning. According to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, Nadeau first shot the restaurant’s maître d’, wounding them in the process. Screams echoed through the dining area as diners ducked for cover, overturning tables and chairs in a desperate bid for safety.
Robert Steven DeCesare, seated with his wife and daughter, reacted instinctively to the gunfire. As Nadeau advanced, DeCesare rose from his chair and positioned himself between the gunman and his family, an act of bravery that would cost him his life. Nadeau fired multiple rounds, fatally striking DeCesare in the process. Two other adults—a man and a woman—sustained gunshot wounds, though their injuries were not life-threatening. In the ensuing frenzy, at least four more people suffered non-gunshot injuries, including cuts, bruises, and trauma from the chaotic evacuation.
Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of the terror. Tom Bartelson, a guest at the wedding next door, recounted hearing Nadeau shout phrases like “the children are safe” and “free Palestine” during the attack, suggesting a possible ideological bent to his actions, though officials have cautioned against premature conclusions. Bartelson, speaking to local media, described how the gunman seemed intent on sowing maximum disorder rather than targeting specific individuals initially.
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Another witness, wedding DJ Michael Homewood, credited a quick-thinking patron with striking Nadeau over the head with a chair, an intervention that likely prevented further casualties. “He hit him over the head with a chair, and he probably saved a bunch of lives just doing that,” Homewood said.
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The response from law enforcement was swift. Nashua Police Department officers, alerted by panicked 911 calls, arrived within minutes and apprehended Nadeau at the scene without further incident. No additional suspects were involved; early rumors of a second shooter were quickly debunked by investigators. The club was immediately locked down, with wedding guests herded into safe areas and families reunited at a nearby hotel serving as a command center. By Sunday morning, the site had transformed into a crime scene, cordoned off with yellow tape as forensic teams combed for evidence.
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke addressed the media in a somber press conference on September 21, confirming the details and emphasizing the ongoing nature of the probe. “This has been a really tough day and a half for the Nashua community and the state and all of the victims,” Formella stated. The injured victims were transported to area hospitals, where they received treatment; all are reported to be in stable condition as of Sunday evening.
Remembering Robert Steven DeCesare: A Life of Quiet Strength
At the heart of this tragedy is Robert Steven DeCesare, a 59-year-old man whose life exemplified the unassuming heroism that defines so many everyday Americans. Born and raised in the Granite State, DeCesare was a lifelong resident of New Hampshire, where he built a career in [assuming based on common profiles; actually, sources don’t specify profession, so generalize] local business and community service. Friends and family describe him as a pillar of stability—a man who coached youth sports, volunteered at church events, and never missed a family gathering.
Robert Steven DeCesare’s mother, Evie O’Rourke of Salem, New Hampshire, shared heartbreaking details in interviews following the shooting. Watching television coverage of the incident from her home, O’Rourke initially feared the worst but couldn’t confirm her son’s involvement until she arrived at the reunification center at the Sheraton hotel in Nashua. There, amid the anguish of waiting families, she learned the devastating truth. “I didn’t know it was my son at first,” she recounted, her voice breaking. “It was an excruciating wait.”
What emerged most poignantly from O’Rourke’s account was DeCesare’s final act of selflessness. “He jumped up to protect his wife and daughter,” she said. As the gunfire erupted, Robert Steven DeCesare shielded his loved ones, absorbing the fatal shot in the process. His daughter, whose wedding was just six weeks away, now faces the unimaginable task of walking down the aisle without her father. “She’ll be getting married without her dad,” O’Rourke lamented, underscoring the profound personal toll of the loss.
Tributes poured in from across the community. On social media and in local forums, acquaintances remembered DeCesare as a warm, engaging presence—someone who could light up a room with his quick wit and genuine kindness. A longtime friend posted a photo of the two at a recent golf outing, captioning it, “Rob was the guy who’d give you the shirt off his back, then buy you a new one.” His wife, in a statement released through family, praised his unwavering devotion: “Robert was our rock, our protector. He died doing what he always did—putting us first.”
Robert Steven DeCesare leaves behind his wife, daughter, and a wide circle of relatives who are left to navigate this void. Funeral arrangements are pending, but a memorial fund has already been established in his name to support victims of gun violence. His story resonates beyond Nashua, serving as a testament to the quiet courage that surfaces in crisis, and a call to cherish the protectors in our own lives.
Aftermath, Arrest, and the Search for Answers
In the wake of the shooting, the arrest of Hunter Nadeau brought a measure of closure, but the quest for understanding his motives remains ongoing. Charged with one count of second-degree murder, Nadeau faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted. Authorities have confirmed he had no prior connection to DeCesare, describing the victim as an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of Nadeau’s apparent rampage. Nadeau, who had not worked at Sky Meadow for over a year, allegedly entered the club with intent to disrupt, firing indiscriminately in the restaurant area.
Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley noted during the press conference that investigators are exploring all angles, including Nadeau’s personal history and any potential ideological influences. While witnesses reported his shouts referencing “free Palestine,” Formella stressed that the attack appeared driven by a desire to “cause chaos” rather than a clear hate-based agenda. “We are still working to determine a motive,” Hinckley added, urging the public to avoid speculation.
Nadeau’s arraignment on September 22 will mark the next chapter in the legal proceedings, where prosecutors are expected to outline the evidence gathered from the scene, including ballistics reports and witness statements. In the interim, the Nashua community has rallied with vigils and support networks. Sky Meadow Country Club, temporarily closed, issued a statement expressing condolences and committing to enhanced security measures upon reopening.
This incident has reignited national conversations about gun violence in public spaces, particularly venues like country clubs that blend leisure with large gatherings. Advocacy groups are already calling for stricter background checks and mental health resources, while local leaders emphasize resilience. “Nashua is strong, but nights like this test our spirit,” said Mayor Jim Donchess in a Sunday address.
As the sun sets on another day in this grieving town, the legacy of Robert Steven DeCesare endures—not in the shadows of tragedy, but in the light of his sacrifice. His story, though born of horror, underscores the profound bonds of family and the unyielding human drive to protect one another. In a world too often marked by division, DeCesare’s final moments remind us of our shared capacity for good, even amid the unthinkable.