Lewiston massacre suspect found dead, apparently of self-inflicted gunshot wound By Reuters

By Gabriella Borter

LEWISTON, Maine (Reuters) -The person suspected of killing 18 individuals and wounding 13 in a capturing rampage in Lewiston, Maine, was discovered lifeless of a probable self-inflicted gunshot wound on Friday, ending a 48-hour manhunt that adopted essentially the most deadly episode of gun violence within the state’s historical past.

The physique of Robert R. Card, 40, was found within the woods close to the neighboring city of Lisbon Falls, close to the place police discovered his deserted automobile shortly after the capturing spree on Wednesday evening.

“He’s lifeless,” Maine Governor Janet Mills advised a information convention, thanking the a whole lot of officers from numerous companies concerned within the search.

“Like many individuals, I’m respiration a sigh of reduction tonight, understanding that Robert Card is now not a menace to anybody … Now’s the time to heal,” Mills stated.

Card died of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound, stated Mike Sauschuck, Maine’s Division of Public Security commissioner.

Officers stated the U.S. Military reservist opened hearth on his victims Wednesday evening, first on the Simply-In-Time Recreation bowling alley, and minutes later at Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant, which was internet hosting cornhole beanbag-throwing video games.

Officers haven’t revealed any suspected motive.

The shootings and extended manhunt convulsed the usually bustling however serene group of Lewiston, a former textile hub and the second-most populous metropolis in Maine.

Earlier on Friday, Maine State Police lifted an order that had saved tens of 1000’s of individuals of their properties whereas the manhunt continued.

The city lies on the banks of the Androscoggin River about 35 miles (56 km) north of the state’s largest metropolis, Portland, and practically as far southwest of Maine’s capital, Augusta.

Card, an Military Reserve sergeant from the close by city of Bowdoin, has been described by authorities as a skilled firearms teacher who served as a petroleum provide specialist when on obligation on the navy reserve base in Saco, Maine.

Regulation enforcement officers additionally stated he had a historical past of psychological sickness and was dedicated to a psychiatric facility for 2 weeks throughout the summer time of 2023, after which he was launched.

Inside hours of Wednesday evening’s bloodshed, police circulated surveillance digicam photographs from one of many crime scenes of a bearded man sporting a brown, hooded sweatshirt and denims and carrying what gave the impression to be a semi-automatic rifle.

The preliminary path of clues led to Lisbon city, about 7 miles (11 km) to the southeast of Lewiston, the place Maine State Police discovered a white SUV they believed Card used to make his getaway and parked at a ship launch on the river. Public information confirmed he owned no less than one vessel made by Sea-Doo, an organization identified for its jet ski-style private watercraft.

Lisbon Falls, the place the physique was discovered, is the subsequent city, nonetheless alongside the river.

As a part of their seek for Card, police trawled the waters of the Androscoggin River with divers and sonar on Friday, and despatched groups of officers door-to-door in neighborhood canvasses looking for extra clues and attainable eyewitnesses.

VICTIMS IDENTIFIED AND HONORED

Authorities additionally formally launched the names and ages of the victims for the primary time, revealing {that a} cross part of Lewiston individuals had been killed, together with deaf individuals enjoying within the beanbag-throwing match, a father-and-son pair of bowlers, and a pair aged 76 and 73.

4 of these killed belonged to the deaf group, Sauschuck stated, asking tv cameras to incorporate the American signal language interpreter at a press convention of their frames. 9 deaf individuals have been enjoying in a weekly match at Schemengees, the sister of one of many victims advised the Lewiston Solar Journal.

Amongst them was Joshua Seal, 36, the director of deciphering providers for the Pine Tree Society, a non-profit group aiding individuals with disabilities, the Solar Journal reported, citing Noel Sullivan, the group’s president. Seal supplied very important deciphering providers for individuals remoted throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Sullivan stated.

Stephen Vozella, 45, was a postal employee and energetic member of New England Deaf Cornhole, the group stated on its Fb (NASDAQ:) web page, including {that a} second of silence could be held at an upcoming match.

Bryan MacFarlane, 41, an avid motorcyclist, was additionally a part of the cornhole match at Schemengees, his sister Keri Brooks advised the Solar Journal.

Invoice Younger, 44, and his 14-year-old son Aaron have been shot and killed whereas bowling collectively, Invoice’s brother Rob Younger advised Reuters.

Husband and spouse Bob Violette, 76, and Lucille Violette, 73, have been additionally bowling collectively in a {couples} league after they have been killed, the Solar Journal reported, citing his daughter-in-law, Cassandra Violette.

Tricia Asselin, 53, was a part-time employee on the bowling alley who was attempting to name 911 when shot. Joseph Walker, 57, was a supervisor at Schemengees who stayed on the scene to assist although he might have escaped via a door close to his workplace, his father, Leroy Walker, advised Reuters on Friday.

“We have been advised that he picked up a butcher knife from the bar space the place he was plenty of the time standing and went to assault the shooter,” Leroy Walker stated of his son, who he known as Joey. The gunman then shot Joey, killing him immediately.