At a Glance
- A shooting at a child’s birthday party in Carver, Massachusetts, killed two people and left two others hospitalized.
- 23-year-old Nicholas Meuse was arrested on scene and faces two murder charges.
- The incident is being treated as a targeted attack, not a random act.
- Why it matters: The event highlights the growing concern over gun violence in community settings.
A shooting at a child’s birthday party in Carver, Massachusetts, left two men dead and two others in critical condition. Police say the incident was a targeted attack and that the suspect, 23-year-old Nicholas Meuse, was taken into custody immediately.
Shooting at a Birthday Party
On January 24 at about 7:21 p.m., the Carver Police Department (CPD) responded to reports that “multiple people had been shot” at Saint John the Baptist Club on Silva Street. The club was hosting a birthday celebration for a child.
The CPD announced that the shooting “does not appear to be a random act, and there is no threat to the public.” A person of interest was detained and later identified as the suspect.
Victims and Suspect
Four people were shot. Two-27-year-old Benjamin Cowart and 20-year-old Jalen Pina-were pronounced dead. Cowart died at the scene; Pina died from his injuries at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital.
The other two victims, a 28-year-old man and a 32-year-old man, were transported to local hospitals where they remain in critical condition.
Pina, an aspiring rapper, was described as a “beautiful soul” on a GoFundMe page that has raised $14,000 toward funeral costs, with a goal of $18,000.
The suspect, Nicholas Meuse, was found down the street from the club and arrested on scene. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Wareham District Court on two counts each of murder and armed assault with intent to murder, plus multiple gun charges.
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz said, “Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene and located four victims, two of whom were pronounced dead.”
According to the CPD, the shooting “appeared to be a targeted attack.” The events leading up to the shooting and Meuse’s connection to the victims have not yet been disclosed.
Meuse is expected to appear in court on Monday, January 26, and Tuesday, January 27.
The Massachusetts State Police (MSP) and CPD are jointly investigating the incident, and Silva Street was closed following the shooting.
Community Response and Ongoing Impact
Carver Police Chief Marc Duphily posted on Facebook, “Following Saturday night’s tragic events, I want to thank the Carver community for your patience, cooperation, and support as officers and investigators worked through a difficult and emotional scene. The responsible individual was quickly taken into custody … Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families.”
The community has rallied around the families, with donations pouring into the GoFundMe page for Jalen Pina. Local businesses and residents have also organized vigils and support groups.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 24 | Shooting at Saint John the Baptist Club; four victims shot |
| January 24 | Nicholas Meuse arrested on scene |
| January 26 | Meuse scheduled to appear in Wareham District Court |
| January 27 | Second court appearance for Meuse |
Key Takeaways
- The shooting was a targeted attack, not a random incident.
- Two victims died, two remain hospitalized.
- The suspect faces multiple serious charges and will be arraigned in early February.
- The community is actively supporting the victims’ families.
The case continues to unfold as investigators work to uncover the motives behind the tragic event and to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
