The man suspected of committing a devastating shooting spree in Lewiston, Maine that resulted in the deaths of 18 people and injuries to 13 others has been found dead, most likely from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, marking the conclusion of a 48-hour manhunt.
The incident represented the deadliest episode of gun violence in the state’s history. The body of the suspect, Robert R. Card, aged 40, was located in the woods near the neighboring town of Lisbon Falls, close to where his abandoned vehicle was discovered shortly after the shooting on Wednesday night.
Maine Governor Janet Mills confirmed Card’s demise during a press conference, expressing relief and gratitude towards the hundreds of officers from various agencies involved in the search.
Robert Card’s cause of death appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as reported by Mike Sauschuck, Maine’s Department of Public Safety commissioner.
Although officials have not disclosed any specific motives for the shooting, Card, an Army Reserve sergeant, had a background as a trained firearms instructor and served as a petroleum supply specialist when on duty at the military reserve base in Saco, Maine.
He also had a history of mental illness and had been committed to a psychiatric facility for two weeks during the summer of 2023 before being released.
The shooting rampage took place at the Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant, where victims were targeted.
This incident sent shockwaves through the normally peaceful community of Lewiston, Maine, which is the second-most populous city in the state.
After the authorities lifted the order that had kept tens of thousands of residents confined to their homes during the manhunt, the town began to return to its usual state of tranquility.
Lewiston is situated on the banks of the Androscoggin River, approximately 35 miles north of Portland, Maine’s largest city, and almost as far southwest of the state’s capital, Augusta.
The search for Card led law enforcement officials to Lisbon, where they found a white SUV they believed he used to escape, parked at a boat launch on the river.
It was later discovered that Card owned at least one vessel made by Sea-Doo, a company known for its jet ski-style personal watercraft.
Throughout the investigation, authorities combed the Androscoggin River with divers and sonar and conducted door-to-door searches for clues and potential eyewitnesses in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The community and the state as a whole can now begin the process of healing following this tragic incident.
Source: redd.it