Carver, Massachusetts — A children’s birthday celebration turned into heartbreak Saturday night when gunfire erupted at the Saint John the Baptist Club on Silva Street, leaving two young men dead and two others wounded. Police say the shooting happened around 7:20 p.m., as families and friends were gathered inside to mark a special day that should have been full of laughter and cake.
When officers arrived after dozens of frantic 911 calls, they found four men lying with gunshot wounds. Twenty‑seven‑year‑old Benjamin Cowart of Brockton was already gone, and 20‑year‑old Jalen Pina of Middleboro later died at a Plymouth hospital despite medical efforts to save him.
Two other men, ages 28 and 32, survived and were rushed to area hospitals. Officials say their injuries are not life‑threatening, but the shock of the night will not fade as easily as the physical wounds.
Law enforcement quickly located a suspect, 23‑year‑old Nicholas Meuse of Plymouth, down the street from the scene. He was taken into custody that same night without further incident and has been charged with two counts of murder, armed assault with intent to murder, and multiple firearms offenses. He is expected to appear in Wareham District Court soon.
Carver Police Chief Marc Duphily and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz called the shooting “a terrible act of violence” and said, so far, it does not appear to be a random attack. Officials believe the people involved knew one another, though they have not yet released a motive.
The incident has shaken this small town of under 12,000 people. Neighbors and party guests told reporters that what should have been joyful turned into chaos within moments — leaving children and adults alike scrambling for safety amid screams and confusion.
Police have cordoned off the club and surrounding streets to continue their investigation. They assure residents there’s no danger to the wider public and encourage anyone with information to come forward. For now, the focus remains on honoring the lives lost and understanding how a simple birthday gathering became a scene of tragedy.
