Following a devastating mass shooting that shook Lewiston, Maine, leaving 18 individuals dead and 13 wounded on October 25, the gunman responsible, Robert Card, was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the discovery, stating, “The suspect in Wednesday night’s shootings has been located and is deceased.”
The 40-year-old shooter’s body was located near a recycling plant on October 27, the same area where his abandoned car was discovered shortly after the tragic incident. Card had reportedly been fired from the recycling plant, deepening the mystery surrounding his motive.
The news of Card’s discovery brought a mix of emotions for the victims’ families. Robert Young, a family member of victims Bill and Aaron, expressed relief at the shooter’s death. Young explained that his family did not wish for a lengthy trial, as it would have forced them to confront the harrowing details of their loved ones’ murders. He emphasized that they sought closure and a sense of justice, relieved that Card would no longer pose a threat to others.
“It gives a sense of closure for us as a family, in as much as we don’t have to worry about him hurting anyone else,” Young said. He added, “And it kind of gives us a sense of justice. He’s not here anymore.” The inexplicable nature of Card’s actions left the victims’ families grappling for answers, as Young stated, “I don’t think you’d ever get a why. I don’t think there is a why on why you’d gun down innocent people, a 14-year-old boy.”
Tammy Asselin, a survivor of the bowling alley shooting, also lost her cousin Tricia Asselin in the tragedy. She expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging that Card’s death allowed the community to move forward without fear. However, it also left many unanswered questions. “It is relieving so that the community itself can definitely move on without the fear of him out there, but it is also sad because we have so many questions left unanswered,” Tammy said. She added that her daughter found some peace in knowing that Card had been caught, dispelling her fear of his continued presence.
The Lewiston community is now seeking closure and healing, while grappling with the lingering sense of loss and unanswered questions in the wake of this tragic event.
Sources By Agencies
