Two killed and two injured in Carver shooting during child’s birthday party; suspect charged
Gunfire erupts at Carver social club during family gathering
Two men were killed and two others were injured after gunfire broke out during a child’s birthday party Saturday evening, January 24, 2026, at the Saint John the Baptist Club in Carver, Massachusetts. A 23-year-old man, Nicholas Meuse, was taken into custody and faces multiple felony charges, including two counts of murder.
Police received multiple 911 calls shortly after 7 p.m. reporting that several people had been shot at the social club on Silva Street. Responding officers located four male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One man, Benjamin Cowart, 27, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, Jalen Pina, 20, was transported to a hospital in Plymouth, where he later died.
Two survivors hospitalized; conditions reported as stable in initial updates
Two additional victims, ages 28 and 32, were hospitalized. Initial official statements identified their injuries as non-life-threatening or stable, with treatment provided at hospitals including Tufts Medical Center and South Shore Hospital.
Investigators have not released details on the sequence of events leading to the shooting, the number of shots fired, or how the suspect obtained the firearm. Authorities also have not disclosed whether the victims were specifically targeted or caught in the crossfire.
Suspect arrested nearby; authorities say incident was not random
Meuse was located a short distance from the club and arrested shortly after the shooting. He is expected to be arraigned in Wareham District Court. Prosecutors have indicated he will face two counts of murder, two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, and multiple firearm-related charges.
Authorities have said the shooting does not appear to have been random and that people involved in the incident were believed to know one another. Officials also said there was no ongoing threat to the public as the investigation continued.
Community impact and investigative focus
The Saint John the Baptist Club is a private social club used for community gatherings and private events. The shooting occurred during a family celebration attended by adults and children. Investigators from the Massachusetts State Police and local police are handling the case.
In the immediate aftermath, the area around Silva Street was closed as investigators processed the scene. Authorities have not released information about a motive and have asked anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement.
Location: Saint John the Baptist Club, 53 Silva St., Carver
Date and time: Saturday, January 24, 2026, shortly after 7 p.m.
Victims: Benjamin Cowart, 27 (died at scene); Jalen Pina, 20 (died at hospital); two men, 28 and 32 (injured)
Suspect: Nicholas Meuse, 23 (in custody; charged)
Authorities said the incident was not random and stated there was no ongoing threat to the public while the investigation proceeds.