Nashua, NH — A quiet dinner at the upscale Sky Meadow Country Club turned into chaos on Sunday night when a gunman opened fire, killing 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare and injuring two others.
Authorities say DeCesare, remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father, and community man, was struck down after trying to shield others from the bullets. His loved ones are calling him a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Attack
The shooting erupted just before 9 p.m. as dozens of guests enjoyed a late-summer evening at the private Nashua club. Witnesses described hearing a heated outburst, followed by a chilling shout of “Free Palestine” before the gunfire began.
Police allege the gunman, Hunter Nadeau, 23, entered the club with a firearm and began shooting indiscriminately.
“People were diving under tables, others were screaming and running for cover,” one witness told local media. “It was like something you’d see in a movie — except it was terrifyingly real.”
A Life Cut Short
DeCesare, who was dining with friends, was fatally shot as he attempted to protect those around him. He collapsed near the entrance, and despite desperate attempts to save him, he died at the scene.
His family released a statement describing him as a man of integrity and compassion:
“Robert was the kind of person who always put others first. He lived his life with honor and courage, and even in his final moments, he was trying to protect those he loved. Our hearts are broken, but we are proud of the man he was.”
Two others — one a club employee — were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Suspect in Custody
Nadeau was taken into custody without further violence. Police say he acted alone and that the shooting does not appear to be part of a larger coordinated attack.
Investigators are now working to determine his motive. While witnesses reported his political outburst, authorities stressed that the case is still in its early stages.
“This was a horrific act of violence that took the life of an innocent man,” said Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke. “We are committed to ensuring justice is served.”
A Community in Shock
The shooting has rattled the Nashua community, with residents leaving flowers and candles outside the gates of the country club in DeCesare’s memory.
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu expressed condolences to the victim’s family, calling the act “a senseless tragedy that has no place in our state.”
Local leaders have vowed to review security protocols at public and private venues, with many pointing to a troubling rise in gun violence nationwide.
Looking Ahead
As the legal case unfolds, DeCesare’s family hopes his legacy will be defined not by the violence of his final moments, but by the courage and compassion he showed throughout his life.
“He was our protector,” said one family member quietly. “And he died the way he lived — protecting others.”
The community is expected to gather later this week for a candlelight vigil in his honor.
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