WAREHAM MASSACHUSETTS, A man accused of opening fire and killing two people at a Carver social club Saturday night was arraigned in Wareham District Court Tuesday on murder and multiple firearm-related charges, according to Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz and Carver Police Chief Marc Duphily.
Nicholas Meuse, 23, is facing 12 criminal charges including two counts each of murder, attempted murder, and armed assault with intent to murder.
Prosecutors say Meuse opened fire at his 7-year-old nephew’s birthday party at the Saint John the Baptist Club on Silva Street at approximately 7:21 p.m.
Meuse told investigators he was invited to the party by a relative, but previous problems with some of the attendees caused tension when he showed up, which ultimately led to the shooting. Meuse claimed he saw one of the guests reach for their waistband before the incident, but investigators said they only recovered one firearm at the scene.
“He stated he saw one of them reach for his waistband, but did not see a firearm. At this point he started to shoot. He claims he fired three shots,” said Prosecutor John Brainard.
Officers said they located four victims when they arrived at the scene.
Benjamin Cowart, 27, was shot in the head, shoulder, and shin and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Local musician Jalen Pina, 20, was transported to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, where he later died. Authorities said Pina was Meuse’s cousin.
A third victim, a 28-year-old man, was taken to Tufts Medical Center with injuries described as non-life-threatening. A fourth victim, a 32-year-old man, was transported to South Shore Hospital for treatment.
Friends and family of the victims expressed heartbreak following the tragedy.
“Jalen was a walking ball of positivity,” said Gabriel Gomes, a friend of Pina’s. “He was just a positive dude. Like he had no negative energy, never harmed anybody. He was never problematic.”
“I’m so mad somebody so positive was around it,” said Pina’s recording partner. “We couldn’t save him from it.”
Police said Meuse was arrested in the woods near the scene shortly after the shooting and transported to the Carver Police Department. Authorities stated that Meuse called 911 following the incident and told dispatchers that he was the shooter.
Meuse was ordered held without bail and is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause hearing on February 25.
