Suspect in Lewiston Massacre Found Dead, Believed to Have Died from Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

By Gabriella Borter

LEWISTON, Maine – The man believed to be responsible for the tragic shooting that resulted in 18 fatalities and 13 injuries in Lewiston, Maine, was discovered deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Friday. This ended a 48-hour manhunt that followed one of the most devastating acts of gun violence in the state’s history.

Robert R. Card, 40, was found in the woods near Lisbon Falls, close to the location where police located his abandoned vehicle shortly after the shooting on Wednesday night.

Maine Governor Janet Mills confirmed Card’s death during a news conference and expressed gratitude to the numerous law enforcement officers who participated in the search. "Like many people, I am breathing a sigh of relief tonight, knowing that Robert Card is no longer a threat to anyone … Now is the time to heal,” Mills stated.

Mike Sauschuck, commissioner of Maine’s Department of Public Safety, reported that Card’s death was likely due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

On the evening of the shooting, authorities say the U.S. Army reservist opened fire at two locations: the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant, where a cornhole tournament was taking place. No suspected motive has been disclosed at this time.

The series of events has left the usually peaceful town of Lewiston, formerly a textile center and the second-largest city in Maine, in disarray. Earlier on Friday, Maine State Police lifted a shelter-in-place order that had kept many residents indoors during the manhunt.

Card, an Army Reserve sergeant from the nearby town of Bowdoin, was identified as a trained firearms instructor with a background as a petroleum supply specialist while serving at the military base in Saco. Reports indicate he also had a history of mental health issues and was admitted to a psychiatric facility for two weeks during the summer of 2023.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement released surveillance images of a bearded man wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and jeans, armed with what appeared to be a semi-automatic rifle.

The investigation led to Lisbon, approximately seven miles southeast of Lewiston, where authorities found a white SUV believed to belong to Card. Public records show he owned at least one watercraft manufactured by a company known for producing personal watercraft.

As part of the search efforts, police used divers and sonar in the Androscoggin River and conducted door-to-door inquiries in search of additional information and potential witnesses.

IDENTIFICATION AND HONORING OF VICTIMS

Law enforcement officials have now released the names and ages of the victims, revealing that a diverse group of individuals from Lewiston was affected. Among the deceased were members of the deaf community participating in the cornhole tournament, a father-son duo bowling together, and an elderly couple.

Four of the victims were part of the deaf community, with officials emphasizing the importance of including an American Sign Language interpreter during press briefings. Reports indicate that nine deaf individuals were present at the tournament when the tragedy occurred.

Among the victims was Joshua Seal, 36, who worked as the director of interpreting services for a nonprofit organization supporting people with disabilities. He was noted for providing essential interpreting services during the pandemic.

Also among those killed was Stephen Vozella, 45, a postal worker and active participant in New England Deaf Cornhole, and Bryan MacFarlane, 41, an enthusiastic motorcyclist. Bill Young, 44, and his 14-year-old son Aaron were shot and killed while bowling together. The couple Bob and Lucille Violette, aged 76 and 73 respectively, were also among those fatally injured during the bowling league.

Tricia Asselin, 53, was a part-time employee at the bowling alley who was attempting to call for help when she was shot. Joseph Walker, 57, served as a manager at Schemengees and chose to stay on-site to assist while others fled. His father reported that Joseph picked up a butcher knife in an attempt to confront the shooter, which sadly led to his death.