Anxiety Eases as Accused Killer of 18 People Found Deceased in Maine
A grieving Maine community finally finds solace as the accused murderer of 18 innocent victims at a bowling alley and restaurant is discovered dead Lingering questions and a sense of relief envelop the community, as the body is found near a recycling center where the suspect had recently been fired
After two days of terror, the grieving Maine community breathed a sigh of relief when authorities revealed that the suspect responsible for the brutal killings of 18 individuals at a bowling alley and a restaurant earlier this week had been found dead on Friday evening. The lifeless body of Robert Card, aged 40, was located near a river approximately 10 miles away from the devastated town of Lewiston. Maine Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck shared during a press conference on Friday night that Card had apparently taken his own life with a gunshot wound.
The discovery brought an end to a tense two-day manhunt, causing anxiety and unease among the peaceful, scenic community, causing residents to remain indoors and feel apprehensive about venturing out.
Janet Mills, the Governor of Maine, expressed her relief that the manhunt had concluded, echoing the sentiments of others.
Mills expressed her relief at the news conference on Friday evening, stating that like many others, she is relieved that Robert Card is no longer a danger. However, she acknowledged that his death may not provide solace to everyone. She believed that the discovery would enable the community to progress and start the challenging journey towards healing together.
The manhunt began on Wednesday night after gunshots were heard at Just-in-Time Recreation and later at Schemengees Bar & Grille in Lewiston. According to officials, a total of 18 people were killed in the incident, with their ages ranging from 14 to 76. Among the victims were a young boy who was bowling with his father, participants in a deaf cornhole tournament, and several fathers who left behind young children. The shooting spree also left 13 others injured, as confirmed by officials.
A survivor of the mass shooting, who lost her cousin Tricia Asselin in the incident, expressed relief upon learning that the suspect was found dead. She stated that the community can now move forward without the fear of his presence, but she also mentioned feeling sadness due to the many unanswered questions that remain.
Tammy Asselin, who was separated from her 10-year-old daughter during the shooting at Just-in-Time Recreation, expressed relief upon hearing that the perpetrator had been apprehended, as her daughter had been fearful that he was still at large.
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Authorities are scheduled to convene a news conference on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET to delve further into the suspect, the finding of his body, and the ongoing search operations.
According to various law enforcement sources, it is believed that Card legally acquired the firearm used to perpetrate the massacre in July, mere days prior to his hospitalization and subsequent order to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
Law enforcement authorities assert that Card, an individual belonging to the US Army reserves and possessing certification as a firearms instructor, has undergone comprehensive training, encompassing land navigation and proficiency with firearms. A fellow service member, with first-hand experience serving alongside him, characterized Card as an adept marksmen, considering him to be one of the most exceptional shooters within their unit.
Members of law enforcement arrived Friday at a farm in Lisbon Falls, Maine, as they searched for a suspect in Wednesday's deadly shooting in Lewiston.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
Relief, but questions ⦠left unanswered
Tammy Asselin, the woman whose cousin Tricia was killed, expressed her desire to understand the motivation behind the gunman's choice of locations and his decision to open fire in the presence of children. She acknowledged that these unanswered questions may remain forever unresolved.
"You know, it is just those why questions that unfortunately are left unanswered and we will probably never have those answers to."
First row: Tricia Asselin, Peyton Brewer-Ross, Tommy Conrad, Michael Deslauriers II, and Bryan MacFarlane.
Second row: Arthur Strout, Joseph Walker, Joshua Seal, Maxx Hathaway, and Ron Morin.
Third row: Bill Young, Aaron Young, Stephen Vozzella, and Bob Violette.
- As per CNN.
What we know about the victims of the Maine mass shooting
People across the community, state and country have echoed a sense of relief for those in area after days of uncertainty.
President Joe Biden expressed gratitude that the residents of Maine are now safe, following a period of distressing days where they had to hide in their homes. In a statement on Friday evening, after the suspect was discovered deceased, Biden affirmed that his administration remains committed to offering comprehensive support to the people of Maine. Furthermore, he emphasized his appeal to Congress to take action against gun violence.
"Americans should not be forced to endure such conditions," stated Biden. "Once again, I urge the Republicans in Congress to fulfill their responsibility in safeguarding the American public. Until that day arrives, I will exert all efforts to put an end to this epidemic of gun violence. Both the Lewiston community and all Americans deserve nothing short of that."
Prior to the discovery of Card's body, the Lewiston community demonstrated its resilience on Friday. Individuals gradually emerged onto the streets of downtown Lewiston, adorned with autumn leaves, amidst an ongoing atmosphere of uncertainty regarding Card's whereabouts. Authorities' cautionary messages emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant.
A continuous flow of individuals strolled along the sidewalks, entering and leaving various buildings. Prior to the lifting of the shelter-in-place order on Friday evening, numerous drivers traversed the area throughout the manhunt period, which authorities implemented early on. It was only hours later that authorities announced the discovery of Card's body. In downtown Lewiston, trees were adorned with heartfelt paper messages, expressing support for the community and neighbors.
Some businesses remained closed during the afternoon, but certain owners, such as the Halal markets catering to the immigrant community in the area, chose to open for a shorter duration on Friday due to safety reasons.
Deborah Roy, who was still mourning the recent passing of her 92-year-old mother, became emotional as she spoke to CNN. She revealed that she had stayed at home for three days before finally going to a grocery store in Lisbon, a town located 15 minutes away from Lewiston.
"I was simply looking for an escape and decided to go for a ride," Roy mentioned. That afternoon, a queue of customers extended all the way to the back of the store, as numerous other businesses remained closed due to the shelter-in-place order.
During her journey to the store, Roy noticed a multitude of people, cars, and cameras."
Roy expressed his emotions tearfully as he recalled the moment he crossed the bridge and witnessed the presence of all the officers.
"In our own small town, it's astonishing to witness such an event," she exclaimed. "The profound impact of a single individual's actions, turning the world upside down, is truly devastating."
As authorities declared the end of a manhunt, the view towards Lewiston, Maine, from the adjacent city of Auburn showcased tranquil streets amidst a continuing lockdown.
Robert F. Bukaty/AP
Cards body found near recycling center that hed recently been fired from, source says
Within a span of 48 hours since the start of the search, law enforcement discovered Cards deceased body at 7:45 p.m. on Friday. The finding took place in the Lisbon Falls vicinity, close to the Androscoggin River, approximately 10 miles away from Lewiston. Sauschuck, the state's public safety commissioner, provided this information. According to a source in law enforcement, Cards body was located near a recycling center, where he had recently been terminated from his employment. Earlier in the week, authorities had come across Cards abandoned vehicle near a boat launch in the Lisbon area, subsequent to the shooting incident.
The body was in a wooded area, multiple sources told CNN.
Details about when Card died "remains to be seen," Sauschuck said Friday, and authorities havent announced a motive in the shooting.
While law enforcement sources have not announced any motive, they have suggested a key theory regarding the targeted bowling alley and restaurant during their investigation, as reported by CNN on Thursday. According to these sources, it appears that the suspect, Card, visited these establishments because they were previously frequented by him and his former longtime girlfriend. CNNs John Miller further reveals that investigators are actively pursuing this theory.
Law enforcement prepare for a search for a gunman who killed 18 people two days ago, in Lewiston, Maine, on Friday.
Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images
Prior to the announcement of Card's death, authorities came across a note written by Card which suggested that he anticipated not being alive by the time the note was discovered, as disclosed by a law enforcement official to CNN on Friday.
The discovery of the note prompted a change in the manhunt's focus, incorporating a search in the Androscoggin River near the location where Cards deserted vehicle was found in Lisbon. Despite an extensive search involving divers, underwater vessels, and aircraft, Card remained elusive.
Law enforcement officers, armed with long guns, spent two days conducting searches in multiple locations within the tranquil area. These locations included a greenhouse at Springworks Farm in Lisbon, as well as residences and other places linked to the suspect.
On Thursday, the officers visited Cards' home twice. They surrounded the residence in the evening, issuing orders for any occupants to exit the premises. However, it remained uncertain whether anyone was present inside.
On Friday, October 27, in Lisbon, Maine, a recycling facility became the center of attention as police officers guarded the road leading to it. This was the location where the body of Robert Card, the suspect involved in this week's mass shootings, was discovered.
Robert F. Bukaty/AP
Gov. Janet Mills speaks during a news conference Friday in which authorities announce that Robert Card, the suspect in Wednesday's shootings in Lewiston, was found dead.
Matt Rourke/AP
Police take aim after people in the area heard a gunshot at a farm in Lisbon on Friday.
John Tlumacki/Globe Staff/Getty Images
A screen displays pictures of people killed in the shootings as their names are read during a press conference at Lewiston City Hall on Friday.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
Outside of the emergency department at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, bouquets of flowers and notes of encouragement have been placed. In light of Wednesday night's shooting in Lewiston, the hospital has temporarily closed their ER and is solely focused on treating the victims.
Erin Clark/Globe Staff/Getty Images
Southern Maine Regional SWAT team members patrol on Friday near the Lisbon boat launch, where suspect Robert Card abandoned his car.
John Tlumacki/Globe Staff/Getty Images
Law enforcement officials prepare to search the Androscoggin River in Lisbon Falls on Friday.
Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images
During an interview in Lewiston, Maine on Friday, Tammy Asselin, accompanied by her daughter Toni, embraces as they recount their presence at Schemengees Bar and Grille during the shooting. Tricia Asselin, Tammy's cousin, was identified as one of the shooting victims by the Associated Press.
Police and ATF agents search the Androscoggin River in Lisbon on Friday.
John Tlumacki/Globe Staff/Getty Images
A couple walks by a banner in Lewiston on Friday.
Robert F. Bukaty/AP
Law enforcement surround a house in Bowdoin, Maine, as they continue their manhunt on Thursday, October 26.
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
A pedestrian crosses a virtually empty street in Portland, Maine, on Thursday. The shootings took place about 36 miles north of the city.
Scott Eisen/Getty Images
Law enforcement personnel work outside Schemengees Bar and Grille on Thursday.
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Dexter Britton, 9, looks out through a window in Lisbon Falls, Maine, on Thursday. The Lisbon area has been under a shelter in place order since Wednesday night.
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
Maine Gov. Janet Mills, center, speaks during a news conference at Lewiston City Hall on Thursday.
Steven Senne/AP
A police officer speaks to a driver at a roadblock in Lisbon on Thursday.
Robert F. Bukaty/AP
Law enforcement officials load into a tactical vehicle at Lisbon High School on Thursday.
Jessica Rinaldi/Boston Globe/Getty Images
Police officers patrol around the hospital in Lewiston on Thursday.
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A man and woman embrace at the reunification center at Auburn Middle School in Auburn, Maine, after the mass shootings in Lewiston on Wednesday, October 25.
Derek Davis/AP
Police close Lincoln Street leading to Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston.
Nicholas Pfosi/Reuters
The rampage began shortly before 7 p.m. and fueled calls for everyone in Lewiston to shelter in place as hundreds of officers searched for the gunman.
Nicholas Pfosi/Reuters
Maria Wilson reacts while speaking to reporters at the reunification center at Auburn Middle School about the unknown status of her loved one on Wednesday.
Michael G. Seamans/For The Boston Globe
Stretchers are lined up outside the emergency room at the Central Maine Medical Center.
Derek Davis/AP
People stand outside the reunification center at Auburn Middle School.
Steven Senne/AP
A helicopter searches an area of Lewiston on Wednesday.
Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald/AP
People depart an emergency room entrance at the Central Maine Medical Center.
Steven Senne/AP
Police respond to the scene in Lewiston.
Robert F. Bukaty/AP
In pictures: The aftermath of the Maine shooting rampage
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Authorities: Gun used in shooting bought days before Cards erratic episode
According to several law enforcement sources, investigators have stated that they suspect the gun used by Card in the rampage had been legally purchased only a few days prior to his hospitalization and mandatory psychiatric evaluation in mid-July.
After enlisting in the Army Reserve in 2002, Card came to the attention of Army Reserve officials when they reported his erratic behavior. This led to the New York State Police being called to the Camp Smith military base in Cortlandt, New York, where Card served. According to a source familiar with the situation, Card was behaving belligerently and appeared to be intoxicated. Consequently, state police took him to a nearby hospital to address suspected intoxication. He was subsequently released the following day, as confirmed by authorities.
The New York State Police spokesperson declined to provide any information about the encounter, stating that it is an ongoing investigation and the police do not comment on such cases. Following a report from a federal law enforcement source regarding Card's mental state, the Army issued a "Command Referral" for him to receive treatment, as he was reportedly hearing voices and expressing thoughts of harming fellow soldiers.
Law enforcement members patrol near a Lisbon school, following a deadly mass shooting in Lewiston, in Lisbon Falls, Maine, U.S. October 26, 2023.REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
Law enforcement could face these challenges in their hunt for the Lewiston shooting suspect
The encounters occurred 10 days after Card acquired the high-caliber rifle from a gun store in Maine, as stated by law enforcement sources. The rifle in question was a Ruger SFAR chambered for potent 308 ammunition, according to these sources.
It is also suggested by sources that the firearm discovered inside Card's vehicle appears to be the same one used by the shooter at the bowling alley and bar. However, a confirmation of the ballistics match is pending.
The FBI and ATF will handle the weapon for fingerprint and DNA analysis, followed by laboratory testing to ascertain if the bullets and shell casings discovered at the scene are a match.
Additionally, it has been reported that Card purchased a Beretta 92-F 9mm semi-automatic pistol in July, which is the standard sidearm used by the US military.
How the terror unfolded
Shortly before 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Card began shooting at a Lewiston bowling alley, and later at a bar in the largely working-class community, authorities say.
Officers swiftly responded to the shooting locations in Lewiston immediately upon receiving 911 calls, according to the police.
The initial call reporting the incident was made at 6:56 p.m. from Just-In-Time Recreation. By 7 p.m., the first Lewiston police officer had already arrived, as stated by Sauschuck on Friday.
People fled the bowling alley when police cruisers swiftly arrived at the location, as depicted in CNN's obtained footage.
Approximately 12 minutes later, authorities were alerted to numerous 911 calls reporting an active shooter at Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant, located approximately 4 miles away from the bowling alley.
The shooting and subsequent manhunt for Card prompted shelter-in-place orders for Androscoggin and northern Sagadahoc counties, where Lewiston, Auburn and Lisbon are located.
A shelter in place sign is displayed in Lewiston, Maine, on October 27, 2023, in the aftermath of a mass shooting.
Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images
A search warrant was executed at Cards' residence on Thursday by investigators, who were searching for computers, notes, weapons, and any evidence suggesting a planned shooting, according to law enforcement sources who informed CNN.
Law enforcement authorities discovered the suspects' vehicle abandoned approximately 8 miles away from Lewiston in Lisbon.
All 18 victims identified, authorities say
First row: Tricia Asselin, Peyton Brewer-Ross, Tommy Conrad, Michael Deslauriers II, and Bryan MacFarlane.
Second row: Arthur Strout, Joseph Walker, Joshua Seal, Maxx Hathaway, and Ron Morin.
Third row: Bill Young, Aaron Young, Stephen Vozzella, Bob Violette, Billy Bracket, Jason Adam Walker, Keith D. Macneir, and Lucille M. Violette.
Officials from the Maine Department of Public Safety.
The shooting rampage on Friday resulted in the identification of the 18 victims, whose ages ranged from 14 to 76.
Tragically, the father and son duo, Bill and Aaron Young, lost their lives while enjoying a night of bowling.
Aaron, who was 14 years old, was known as an exceptional student and took great pride in his academic achievements, according to his sister Kayla Putnam, when she spoke to CNN affiliate WCVB. Bill, Kayla's stepfather, was a reliable figure in the family and worked as an auto mechanic.
Dan Gish wraps his arm around a player at a quarterfinal game in 2016.
Courtesy Amy Bass
Opinion: Lewiston is a community fighting for its light
Bob Violette, 76, was days away from turning 77 when he was shot and killed at the bowling alley, according to CNN affiliate WBZ.
According to WBZ, Violettes' family members stated that he was instructing a youth bowling league when gunfire suddenly broke out. They strongly believe that he lost his life while trying to shield his students. Lucille, his wife, tragically also lost her life in the incident. Violettes' friend, Brandon Dubuc, recalled that he had been involved with the youth league for as long as he could remember. Dubuc expressed his unwavering conviction that if Violette was present with the children, he would have done everything possible to safeguard them.
CNNs Shimon Prokupecz, Jamiel Lynch, Jeanne Bonner, Jay Croft, Alaa Elassar, Raja Razek, Mary Kay Mallonee, and Michelle Watson contributed to this report.
