Pipefitter Who Loved Wrestling: Father and Son at Bowling League

By Gabriella Borter and Sharon Bernstein

LEWISTON, Maine – A father and son enjoying a night of bowling, along with a group engaged in a cornhole tournament, were among the 18 victims of recent shootings at a bowling alley and a popular restaurant in Lewiston, Maine.

The victims, which included a married couple, were aged between 14 and 76. Seven individuals were killed at the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley, while eight others were shot at the nearby Schemengees Bar & Grille restaurant. Three additional victims succumbed to their injuries in hospitals.

Authorities identified the victims as follows: Ronald Morin, 55; Peyton Brewer-Ross, 40; Joshua Seal, 36; Bryan MacFarlane, 41; Joseph Walker, 57; Arthur Strout, 42; Maxx Hathaway, 35; Stephen Vozzella, 45; Thomas Conrad, 34; Michael Deslauriers II, 51; Jason Walker, 51; Tricia Asselin, 53; Bill Young, 44; Aaron Young, 14; Bob Violette, 76; Lucille Violette, 73; William Brackett, 48; and Keith McNeir, 64.

Here are some details about a few of the victims:

BILL AND AARON YOUNG

Bill Young and his 14-year-old son Aaron were tragically killed at the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley while participating in their bowling league, as shared by Bill’s brother, Rob Young. Rob had flown in from Baltimore to help his sister-in-law seek information when they had not been heard from since their outing.

TRICIA ASSELIN

Tricia Asselin was attempting to call 911 during the shooting when she was killed at the bowling alley. Her brother, DJ Johnson, mentioned that she worked part-time at the venue and had gone out for a night with her sister, who survived the incident. Johnson remembered her as not one to flee but someone who would try to help others.

JOSEPH WALKER

Joseph Walker was a manager at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, known for his devotion to family as a husband and grandfather. Even as danger approached, he stayed behind to assist others rather than escape through a nearby door. His father, Leroy Walker, recounted that Joseph tried to confront the shooter with a butcher knife before he was fatally shot.

BRYAN MACFARLANE

Bryan MacFarlane was attending the cornhole tournament at Schemengees Bar & Grille when he was killed. His sister, Keri Brooks, described him as a devoted motorcyclist and dog lover who had recently returned to Maine.

BOB AND LUCY VIOLETTE

Bob Violette, a retired mechanic, was an avid bowler and even started a youth bowling league. His daughter-in-law shared that he often participated in a couples’ league with his wife, Lucy, who also lost her life in the shootings.

MICHAEL DESLAURIERS II AND JASON WALKER

Deslauriers II and his best friend, Jason Walker, both perished at the bowling alley while trying to protect their families. Michael Deslauriers Sr., Michael’s father, shared the heartbreaking news of his son’s bravery in ensuring that their wives and children were safe before confronting the shooter.

PEYTON BREWER-ROSS

Peyton Brewer-Ross, a pipefitter and new father, was shot while playing in the cornhole tournament. His union and employer paid tribute to his character, noting his active participation on the local union’s education committee and his fondness for cornhole, wrestling, and comic books.

STEPHEN VOZZELLA

Stephen Vozzella, a postal worker, was also among the victims at the Schemengees Bar & Grille. His union highlighted his infectious smile and enthusiasm for the game, emphasizing how much he would be missed by the community, particularly in the world of cornhole where he made a significant impact.