A 23‑year‑old Plymouth man has entered a not guilty plea and is being held without bail following a double fatal shooting at a child’s birthday party over the weekend in Carver, Massachusetts, authorities said.
Incident Overview
The shooting occurred on Saturday evening around 7:21 p.m. at the Saint John the Baptist Club on Silva Street, where a family was hosting a child’s birthday celebration. Police began receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire at the event before officers and emergency personnel responded.
Victims and Injuries
Officers arriving at the scene located four individuals with gunshot wounds in the parking lot.
27‑year‑old Benjamin Cowart of Brockton was pronounced dead at the scene.
20‑year‑old Jalen Pina of Middleborough was taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth and later died from his injuries.
Two other men — ages 28 and 32 — were transported to local hospitals with non‑life‑threatening wounds.
Suspect and Arrest
Police located the suspected shooter down the street from the club shortly after the incident and arrested him at the scene, transporting him to the Carver Police Department.
He was identified as Nicholas Meuse, 23, of Plymouth, MA. Court records show he was arraigned in Wareham District Court Tuesday and is being held without bail on two counts each of murder and armed assault with intent to murder, as well as multiple firearm charges — 12 counts in total.
Suspect’s Statement and Evidence
According to prosecutors, Meuse called 911 himself after the shooting, claiming he had acted in self‑defense. However, investigators reportedly found only one firearm at the scene — a 9 mm handgun with the serial number obliterated — and are still determining the exact circumstances leading up to the gunfire.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
Carver Police Chief Marc Duphily described the Saturday night shooting as heartbreaking for the tight‑knit community, especially given the family event context and presence of children.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting and are reviewing witness statements and physical evidence. A probable cause hearing for Meuse is scheduled for February 25.
