Additional Coverage:
Nashua, NH – A local man is being hailed as a hero after he was fatally shot while protecting his family during a wedding reception shooting at the Sky Meadow Country Club on Saturday. Robert Steven DeCesare, 59, was killed when former country club employee, 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau, opened fire.
According to witnesses, DeCesare shielded his wife and daughter from the gunfire. His wife, Charlene DeCesare, confirmed this account, stating that her husband was caught in the crossfire as he tried to protect them. The family was at the club to discuss their daughter’s upcoming November wedding.
“He turned around and stood up and took a bullet for his family,” said family member Evie O’Rourke. “I’m very proud of him.”
Police reported the attack lasted less than a minute. Nadeau allegedly threatened other guests before fleeing the scene and being apprehended shortly after.
He is currently in custody, charged with second-degree murder, and is expected to be arraigned on Monday. Further charges are anticipated, as two other individuals, a guest and an employee of the club, were also injured in the shooting.
Both are expected to recover.
While some witnesses claim Nadeau shouted “Free Palestine” during the incident, police have yet to confirm a motive and the investigation is ongoing. The DeCesare family has urged the public to avoid speculation while authorities conduct their investigation. An autopsy for DeCesare is scheduled for Monday.
Country club owner Rob Parsons released a statement praising DeCesare’s heroism and commending the bravery of patrons and employees who helped subdue the shooter. He called the shooting a “heinous act of a coward.”