NH country club shooting victim died saving his family: Widow

(NewsNation) — The widow of a man who was fatally shot at a New Hampshire country club said her husband died protecting her and her daughter.

Gunfire erupted Saturday evening during a wedding reception at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua. Authorities said Robert DeCesare Jr., 58, was killed when the gunman, identified as former club employee Hunter Nadeau, entered the venue. Two others were injured before a bystander struck Nadeau with a chair, stopping the attack.

“My husband got caught in the fire trying to protect us,” DeCesare's widow, Charlene DeCesare, told The Associated Press.“Our lives are forever changed in one moment that would be senseless except for the belief that Rob was trying to protect me and my daughter, and maybe others there too. In our hearts, he’s a hero."

Charlene DeCesare also said she was “unbelievably traumatized” and was focusing on caring for their children in the aftermath of the shootings.

She described her husband as a man who loved golf, poker and pickleball and was loved by his family and community. She also urged the public not to spread misinformation about the shooting.

“Beware the speculation and utter nonsense that is being posted about what happened and why,” she said, adding, it's "only making it harder for everyone involved, including the police who are trying to do their job.”

Robert DeCesare's mother echoed those sentiments, telling WJAR-TV her son "took a bullet for his family."

"He turned around and stood up and took a bullet for his family. And I'm very proud of him," Evie O'Rourke said.

Rob Parsons, the country club's owner, praised DeCesare as a "hero."

“To the DeCesare family, there are no words to express the pain and sorrow you — and our community — are feeling over Robert’s murder. He is a hero,” he said in a statement. “To our very own employee and our guest who were shot and are recovering, and to the countless others impacted, we’re here for you and your families. Always.”

Investigators are still working to determine a motive and said there is no known connection between Nadeau and DeCesare.

Nadeau has been charged with one count of second-degree murder and is expected to appear in court Monday.