Full Breakdown
Indictments Follow Deadly Shooting at Nashua Country Club
1/16/2026, 3:48:05 AM
Overview of the Incident
On September 20, 2025, Hunter Nadeau, a 24-year-old former employee of the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire, allegedly opened fire during a wedding reception, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. Nadeau has been indicted on charges including first-degree murder, attempted murder, and assault. The shooting occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. in the club's restaurant, known as Prime, where Robert Steven DeCesare, 59, was killed while attempting to protect his family.
Details of the Charges
A Hillsborough County grand jury has issued multiple indictments against Nadeau, including alternative counts of purposeful first-degree murder and reckless second-degree murder in connection with DeCesare's death. He faces two counts of attempted murder for shooting club employee Steven Burtman and for firing at a group of patrons. Additionally, Nadeau is charged with two counts of first-degree assault for injuring Burtman and Brianna Surette, a patron who was also shot. The indictments indicate that Nadeau's actions resulted in significant chaos, with four other individuals sustaining non-gunshot injuries while fleeing or intervening.
Eyewitness Accounts and Response
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as patrons attempted to escape the gunfire. One individual reportedly struck Nadeau with a stool, helping to subdue him before he fled the scene. George Voutselas, who was present at the wedding reception, recounted the panic as guests evacuated through the kitchen. He noted that Nadeau identified himself as the shooter during the chaos, further heightening the fear among attendees.
Official Statements on Motive
Authorities have not disclosed a clear motive for the shooting. New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella stated that while Nadeau shouted various remarks during the incident, including "Free Palestine," there is no evidence to suggest that the attack was motivated by hate. Formella indicated that the statements may have been intended to create chaos rather than reflect a specific ideological motive.
Impact on Victims and Community
The shooting has had a profound impact on the victims and their families. Robert DeCesare's family has expressed their grief over his loss, while Steven Burtman has undergone significant medical treatment following his injuries. A GoFundMe campaign established to support Burtman has raised over $181,000, reflecting community support for those affected by the tragedy.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
Hunter Nadeau is scheduled for arraignment on February 6, 2026. The legal proceedings will determine the outcome of the charges against him, which could result in life sentences without the possibility of parole if he is convicted of first-degree murder.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He saved a lot of lives, probably.” — George Voutselas, Eyewitness
- “There’s been reports that there are certain statements, such as ‘free Palestine,’ but based on the evidence we have gathered, Mr. Nadeau made a number of statements during the event and we don’t have any evidence at this time that would indicate that Mr. Nadeau was motivated by a hate-based motivation,” — John Formella, New Hampshire Attorney General
This incident continues to resonate within the Nashua community as the legal process unfolds and the impact of the shooting is felt by the victims and their families.
