Insights into the Victims of the Maine Mass Shooting
Tragically, the victims of the Maine mass shooting in Lewiston were simply enjoying a night out They were engaged in a cornhole tournament or sharing a meal when their lives were abruptly shattered
It was a regular evening for the victims of the mass shooting that took place on Wednesday night in Lewiston, Maine. They were engaged in different activities such as participating in a cornhole tournament or simply savoring a meal, until their enjoyment was abruptly cut short by a shooter.
Another American community is currently in mourning as the identities of the individuals who tragically lost their lives in the incident at a restaurant and bowling alley are becoming known. Authorities are currently on the lookout for Robert Card, who is believed to be connected to the horrifying incident that resulted in the death of 18 innocent individuals and left 13 others injured.
Officials have identified all the victims on Friday. The shooting claimed the lives of a 76-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy who was bowling with his father. This tragic incident marks the deadliest mass shooting in the United States in 2021, surpassing even the horrific event in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 students and two teachers lost their lives last year. Shockingly, there have been a total of 566 mass shootings across the country this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, with a minimum of four people, excluding the shooter, being shot in each incident.
Heres what we know so far about the victims:
Tricia Asselin
Tricia Asselin
Tricia Asselin, 53, was the cherished center of her close-knit family and held a part-time position at Just-in-Time Recreation, a bowling alley, according to her siblings interviewed by CNN. Despite having the night off on Wednesday, Asselin was present at Just-in-Time, as per her brother's account. "According to what I've been told, when everything unfolded, she swiftly approached the counter to dial 911, and unfortunately, that's when she was fatally shot," shared DJ Johnson with CNN. "That was just her character. She wouldn't flee; she would always attempt to assist."
His other sister was also there and was able to escape, Johnson said.
Stephen âSteveâ Vozzella
Stephen Vozzella
According to his brother and The National Association of Letter Carriers, Stephen Vozzella was a vibrant participant in the New England Deaf Cornhole community, bringing a sense of enthusiasm and joy to competitions.
"Brother Vozzella, who was only 45 years old, had a lot more life ahead of him before it was tragically cut short by a senseless act of gun violence," stated NALC President Brian L. Renfroe.
The Governor Baxter School for the Deaf expressed their condolences for the loss of Vozzella and mentioned that the attack claimed the lives of multiple members in their community.
"We deeply mourn the loss of four beloved individuals from our community in the recent Lewiston shootings, which tragically included two fathers of children enrolled in our programs," stated Karen Hopkins, the executive director of the school, in a heartfelt Facebook post. "These community members held a special place in our hearts, as some of our staff had developed close relationships with them."
Vozzella, an enthusiastic participant in the sport of cornhole, actively engaged in various tournaments organized by the New England Deaf Cornhole league within the region.
NEDC regretfully announces the loss of Steve Vozzella, a valued member of our community. He was tragically taken from us in the Maine shooting incident. In a Facebook post on Thursday, the organization expressed that Steve brought enthusiasm and a radiant smile to our competitions. His absence will be felt both on and off the courts.
As a tribute to Vozzella, the New England Deaf Cornhole league intends to observe a moment of silence during the upcoming tournament in November, as stated in their Facebook post.
Peyton Brewer-Ross
Peyton Brewer-Ross
Provided to CNN
Peyton Brewer-Ross, aged 39, was tragically killed while taking part in a cornhole tournament at Schemengees Bar & Grill Restaurant, as confirmed by his brother Ralph Brewer in an interview with CNN. Brewer-Ross had a great passion for playing cornhole and cherished the time spent with friends at Schemengees.
According to his brother, Brewer-Ross's greatest joy in life was being a father. Just two weeks prior to his untimely death, he celebrated his daughter Elle's second birthday.
Thomas âTommyâ Conrad
Tommy Conrad
From Timothy Conrad
Michael Deslauriers II
Tommy Conrad, aged 34, succumbed to the Lewiston mass shootings. CNN affiliate WMTW received confirmation from Conrad's family that he served as the manager at the bowling alley and leaves behind his 9-year-old daughter.
Michael Deslauriers II
Vicki Deslauriers Roy/Facebook
Michael Deslauriers II, 51, was killed while attempting to charge at the shooter at the bowling alley, his father, Michael Deslauriers Sr., said on Facebook.
On the Sabattus Historical Society's Facebook page, Deslauriers Sr., the chairman of the organization, emotionally shared that his son and a close friend tragically lost their lives while bravely attempting to subdue the shooter. Deslauriers Sr. expressed how his son and friend ensured the safety of their wives and multiple young children before fearlessly confronting the assailant.
Deslauriers Sr. described making the announcement as the "hardest news for a father to ever have to share."
Jason Walker
Jason Walker, 51, was identified as one of the victims in the shooting rampage, according to Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck.
Bryan MacFarlane
Bryan MacFarlane
Courtesy Keri Brooks
Bryan MacFarlane, 40, was participating in the cornhole tournament at Schemengees when he was killed, his sister Keri Brooks told CNN.
MacFarlane, whos part of the local deaf community, usually goes to Schemengees on Wednesdays where people from the deaf community gather to play cornhole, Brooks said.
Arthur âArtieâ Strout
Arthur "Artie" Strout
Strout family/WBZ
Arthur "Artie" Strout, 42, was at Schemengees during the shooting, his father, Arthur Bernard, told CNN affiliate WBZ.
Bernard informed that he had recently departed from Schemengees when he received the devastating phone call regarding an ongoing shooting incident.
The Strouts family, under the impression that he was at the hospital, received the tragic news of his demise on Thursday. He is survived by his five children.
Joseph âJoeyâ Walker
Joseph Walker
Obtained by CNN
Leroy Walker, a city councilor in Auburn, Maine, informed CNN affiliate WGME that his son, Joseph Walker, 57, was among the victims at Schemengees. According to Walker, state police informed Joseph's wife that he, as the bar manager, bravely confronted the gunman in an attempt to prevent further casualties. Tragically, Joseph was fatally shot during this courageous act. After enduring a nerve-wracking 14-hour wait, Walker and his family were eventually informed of Joseph's untimely demise.
Leroy Walker expressed his deep pride in his son during an interview on CNN. He described his son as a compassionate individual who will be greatly missed by countless people. Walker unequivocally stated that his son would willingly repeat his actions.
The devastating impact of the tragic events was highlighted by Walker, who mentioned that numerous families, including his own, were affected. He remarked on the sense of disbelief and despair it leaves behind, leaving an indescribable void that seems impossible to fill.
He expressed that he does not harbor any hatred towards the perpetrator.
"Clear your mind of such thoughts," he advised. "Allow the Lord to carry out whatever actions are necessary. If you succumb to hatred and let it consume you, you will inflict harm upon others. Hatred will never bring my son back."
Joshua Seal
Lewiston shooting victim Joshua Seal
Pine Tree Society
Joshua Seal, a beloved American Sign Language interpreter, tragically lost his life on Wednesday while participating in the cornhole tournament for deaf athletes at Schemengees. This devastating news was reported by his wife and confirmed by CNN affiliate WGME. The Pine Tree Society, Seal's employer, expressed their sorrow in a Facebook statement, acknowledging that he was the director of interpreting services and remembering him fondly. At the age of 36, Seal leaves behind a profound impact on the community he served.
Seal, widely recognized as the ASL interpreter for Dr. Shah's pandemic briefings, garnered significant attention during the pandemic. He served as one of the lead interpreters for Maine Gov. Janet Mills and Dr. Nirav Shah during their daily Covid-19 briefings. Described as a dedicated advocate for the Deaf community, Seal was a loving husband and father of four. His commitment to providing a safe space for Deaf individuals was widely acknowledged. A Facebook post mourned his loss, emphasizing the profound impact it will have on countless people in Maine.
Elizabeth Seal paid a heartfelt tribute to her husband on Facebook, praising his role as a devoted father and his love for spending quality time with their children. According to her, Joshua cherished moments of travel, day trips to the beach, and weekend camping adventures with their family. Alongside his exemplary parenting, he was also an exceptional husband, best friend, and soulmate to Elizabeth. Additionally, Joshua was admired as a remarkable boss, an extraordinary interpreter, a cherished friend, and a loving son, brother, uncle, and grandson. Above all, his unwavering love for his family and his unwavering dedication to prioritizing their needs will forever remain his legacy.
Keith Macneir
Keith Macneir, 64, was identified as one of the victims in the shooting rampage, according to Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck.
Maxx Hathaway
Maxx Hathaway
From Kelsay Hathaway/GoFundMe
According to Maxx Hathaway's sister, Kelsay Hathaway, he was a devoted stay-at-home dad to two children, with a third on the way. Kelsay described Maxx as a fun-loving and positive individual who always found a way to bring joy, even in difficult times. In a verified GoFundMe campaign that she created, Kelsay emphasized how much Maxx cherished his wife, Brenda, their daughters, and his loved ones. His passing will undoubtedly leave a void in the communities he was a part of and grew up in.
Hathaways wife is due in a little over a month, Kelsay Hathaway said.
Maxx, 35, was at Schemengees when the gunman attacked.
Brenda Hathaway, Maxx's wife, was at the bar that evening when her toddler, Lilian, began to become restless. According to Brenda, she decided to leave early while Maxx remained behind to play pool.
Kelsay expressed their desire to offer support to Brenda by providing assistance for childcare, celebrating the new addition to their family, and covering groceries. This was stated in their GoFundMe campaign.
Courtney Hathaway, another sister of Hathaways, expressed her shock and devastation in a separate social media post, stating that she lost her beloved brother in the tragic mass shooting that occurred the previous night. She admitted to feeling a mix of emotions but emphasized her heartbreak over his untimely passing. She acknowledged that nothing can truly prepare someone for the sudden and traumatic loss of a loved one, especially in such a tragic event. Courtney also fondly remembered Maxx as a loving individual, highlighting his transformation into a father to two girls and mentioning the imminent arrival of another child. She concluded by asserting that they will all deeply miss him.
Robert âBobâ Violette
Bob Violette, aged 76, was instructing a youth bowling league at Just-In-Time Recreation in Lewiston, Maine, when gunshots erupted on Wednesday evening. Those close to Violette are of the opinion that he perished while shielding his students from the gunfire, as reported by CNN affiliate WBZ.
Bob Violette, aged 76, was instructing a youth bowling league at Just-In-Time Recreation when the sound of gunshots rang out. Violette's friends and family firmly believe that he sacrificed his life to shield his students from the hail of bullets, as reported by CNN affiliate WBZ.
"Bobs has been involved in the youth league for as far back as I can recall," affirmed Violette's friend, Brandon Dubuc, during an interview with WBZ. "If he was present with those children, he would have undoubtedly ensured their safety. I have complete faith in that."
According to the Portland Press Herald, witnesses have reported that Violette stood as a barrier between the shooter and the children in his bowling league, ensuring their safety. Cassandra Violette, his daughter-in-law, expressed her devastation, stating that he suffered the most injuries while selflessly trying to protect someone else.
Violettes family described him to the Press Herald as a person who made everyone feel comfortable and cared for.
He died days away from celebrating his 77th birthday, relatives told WBZ.
Lucille Violette
In the shooting spree, Lucille Violette, 73, the spouse of Bob Violette who was killed, has been confirmed as one of the victims by Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck.
William âBillâ Young and Aaron Young
Bill Young, universally regarded as the pillar of his family, and his exceptionally accomplished son Aaron, tragically lost their lives during the shootings in Lewiston on Wednesday. Aaron's sister Kayla Putnam informed CNN affiliate WCVB that they were bowling together at Just-In-Time Recreation when the assailant entered the premises.
Obtained by CNN
Bill Young, a father who is described as the rock of the family, and his 14-year-old son, Aaron, were bowling together when they were both killed.
According to Kayla Putnam, Aaron's sister and Bill's step-daughter, the gunman entered Just-In-Time Recreation while Young and his son were playing a game. Putnam mentioned that Aaron, who is greatly missed by his friends, was an exceptional student and took pride in his academic achievements.
Bill, who was an auto mechanic, was referred to as the rock of the family by Putnam.
"It will be a great loss," Putnam informed WCVB. "The family will find it extremely challenging to cope with his absence since he was the heart and soul of our family."
Bill's brother, Rob, praised his older brother's strong work ethic and deep affection for his family. In a verified GoFundMe statement, Rob shared, "Bill had a remarkable ability to bring joy to others through his sense of humor and unwavering enthusiasm for life. I am grateful to have had such an incredible older brother." Further, Rob described his nephew Aaron as a kind-hearted and introspective teenager, who found joy in emulating his father's hobbies and interests.
"I hope they catch this guy, really soon," Putnam said to WCVB in regard to the ongoing manhunt for the suspect.
Ronald âRonâ Morin
Photo of Lewiston shooting victim, Ron Morin
Ron Morin, aged 55, was present at Schemengees Bar and Grille when the outbreak of gunfire occurred. The tragic loss of his life has left his family overwhelmed with "shock and deep sorrow," as shared by his relative, Cecile Francoeur Martin, in an interview with CNN.
Martin, the cousin of Morin's wife, requests prayers and privacy during this incredibly shocking and sorrowful time. In a conversation with the Bangor Daily News, Martin portrays Morin as a sociable, positive, and joyful individual.
Martin told the outlet Morin was "just one of those people that if you are having a bad day, he was going to make your day better just by his presence."
William Frank Brackett
Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck confirmed that William Frank Brackett, 48, was among the victims of the shooting rampage. CNN reporters Caroll Alvarado, Elizabeth Wolfe, Sara Smart, Paradise Afshar, Amanda Jackson, Cara Lynn Clarkson, and Aya Elamroussi contributed to this report.
