A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder following a shooting at a family birthday celebration that left two people dead and two others injured.
Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz confirmed that the shooting took place at a celebration in Carver, Massachusetts, on the night of Saturday, January 24, in line with CBS News.
Cruz said that multiple 911 calls were made just after 7 p.m. regarding a reported shooting at social club Saint John the Baptist.
When first responders arrived on the venue, 27-year-old Benjamin Cowart was found dead on the scene after he was hit by gunfire. Moreover, 20-year-old Jalen Pina was found injured and was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
A 28-year-old man was taken to Tufts Medical Center, where he was treated for non life-threatening injuries. Meanwhile, officials also said that a 32-year-old man was taken to South Shore Hospital for treatment and survived the shooting.
Nicholas Meuse has since been arrested for his alleged involvement within the shooting. “The alleged suspect, who initially fled the scene, was taken into custody by the Carver (police),” Cruz said within the statement.
Meuse is scheduled to be arraigned in Wareham District Court on two counts each of murder and armed assault with intent to murder and multiple gun charges, in line with authorities. The arraignment will either happen on Monday, January 26, or Tuesday, January 27, depending on the weather.
Cruz explained that the shooting was not a random incident, stating that everybody who attended the family birthday celebration appeared to know one another. Because of this conclusion, Cruz insisted that the general public mustn’t be concerned about similar incidents happening.
“The people here within the town of Carver should feel protected,” Cruz said. “There is no such thing as a ongoing threat.”
Nevertheless, it is just not clear how Meuse knew the victims or the person celebrating their birthday.
No other information has been shared in regards to the shooting or what can have caused it. There’s an ongoing investigation as police proceed to search for details and knowledge in regards to the fatal incident.
The Massachusetts State Police and Carver Police Department are working together to conduct the investigation. Neither department immediately responded to Us Weekly’s request for comment.
It is just not currently clear if Meuse has entered a plea or retained legal representation.
Following the shooting, Cowart’s parents arrange a GoFundMe page to assist raise money for his funeral expenses. “It’s with unimaginable heartbreak that we share the passing of our beloved son, Benjamin Cowart, who left us unexpectedly. There are not any words that may truly express the pain of losing a toddler, and our family continues to be attempting to process this devastating loss,” the page read.
“Benjamin was deeply loved and can all the time be remembered for his heart, his spirit, and the impact he had on everyone who knew him. He brought light, laughter, and love into our lives, and his absence has left an ache that may never be filled,” the parents added.


