Man Suspected of Killing 18 in Lewiston Mass Shooting is Dead

The massive manhunt for a suspect in the shooting deaths of 18 people in two Lewiston businesses is over.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office confirms Robert Card, 40, of Bowdoin was located Friday night and is deceased. His body was found in Lisbon Falls at 7:45 p.m. in a trailer at Maine Recycling Corporation, where he was once employed. Police had searched the area twice, but then the owners notified authorities that there was an overflow lot across the street. When they looked inside a trailer on the lot, they found Card's body.

Police reported that he died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. At a news conference Saturday morning, Commissioner Michael Sauschuck declined to say how long Card had been dead, but said he appeared to be wearing the same sweatshirt he wore in the attacks.

Hundreds of law enforcement personnel, including federal agents, have been searching for Card since Wednesday night when the shootings happened.

A hunting ban in Lewiston, Lisbon, Bowdoin, and Monmouth has been lifted. Hunters are now free to enter the woods in those communities on opening day.

It was just before 7:00 Wednesday evening when a man armed with a high-powered rifle walked into the Just-in-Time Recreation bowling alley and opened fire. He then got into his white vehicle and drove to Schemengees Bar & Grill, where he again fired upon patrons. He then disappeared into the night, leaving behind 18 dead and 13 injured.

His vehicle was found abandoned at a boat landing in Lisbon Falls and police say there was a gun in the car. Two guns were reportedly found with Card's body.

Get our free mobile app

As the manhunt got underway, people in Androscoggin and parts of Sagadahoc County were told to shelter-in-place and businesses closed their doors. The entire state seemed to hold its collective breath, waiting for a killer to be found.

Searches of several of his relatives' homes in Bowdoin uncovered a note written by Card. At Saturday morning's news conference, Commissioner Sauschuck said the note was written to a loved one and contained passcodes to his phone and bank account. While it wasn't officially called a suicide note, the Commissioner said it appeared the writer didn't expect to be around.

Is There Anywhere Victims Can Get Help and Support?

The Maine Department of Public Safety has set up a resource center for victims, open to anyone who was in the businesses when the shootings took place. Help and support for those individuals will be available, beginning Saturday morning at the Lewiston Armory, 65 Central Street in Lewiston.

Governor Janet Mills' Administration has set up a website called 'Healing Together,' which contains information about how to donate to benefit the victims and their families, as well as information about counseling resources for anyone in need of some support.

Others feeling overwhelmed by the tragic events are encouraged to reach out. Professional counselors are ready to listen and help. Just call or text 988 for free and confidential support.

Our thoughts and prayers tonight are with the victims' families. May their loved ones rest in peace.