A joyous children's birthday party in Carver, Massachusetts, turned into a scene of tragedy on the evening of January 24, 2026, when a shooting erupted, leaving two men dead and two others wounded. Among the deceased was 27-year-old Benjamin Cowart. The incident, which shattered the peace of the small community, took place at the Saint John the Baptist Club on Silva Street, where families had gathered for what was meant to be a celebration.
Witnesses reported hearing loud arguments
before the sound of gunfire pierced the festive atmosphere. When first responders arrived, they found a chaotic scene. Benjamin Cowart was pronounced dead at the location. Another victim, 20-year-old Jalen Pina, was rushed to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth, where he succumbed to his injuries. Two other men, ages 28 and 32, were also shot and transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The presence of children who witnessed the traumatic event added another layer of tragedy to the senseless act of violence.
Shortly after the shooting, authorities located and arrested a suspect, identified as 23-year-old Nicholas Meuse, in a wooded area near the social club. It was reported that Meuse himself called 911 and confessed to being the shooter. Investigators have indicated that the shooting was not a random act of violence, as Meuse and the victims were known to each other and he had been invited to the party by a relative. Reports suggest that pre-existing conflicts between Meuse and some of the attendees escalated into the deadly confrontation.
Meuse was subsequently arraigned in Wareham District Court on a litany of charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and two counts of armed assault to murder, in addition to multiple gun charges. He was ordered to be held without bail pending a probable cause hearing scheduled for February 25, 2026. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing by the Massachusetts State Police and the Carver Police Department. In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was established by Benjamin Cowart's family to assist with funeral and memorial expenses, reflecting the profound and unexpected loss of a beloved son.
