Identities of Maine Shooting Victims Confirmed

More details have come to light about the victims of the mass shooting event in Maine on Wednesday evening that left at least 18 dead and 13 injured, as family members learned about the fate of their loved ones. 

A lone gunman opened fire at two separate locations in Lewiston — Schemengees Bar and Grill and Just-in-Time (previously “Sparetime”) Recreation — as previously reported by The Dallas Express.

A manhunt for the suspected shooter, whom police have identified as 40-year-old Robert R. Card, has since ended as of Friday night. The Maine Police Department announced Card was found dead with a self-inflicted wound at his previous place of work.

Maine State Police said that seven people died at Just-In-Time Recreation, eight died at Schemengees, and three others died at the hospital.

Family members and friends stepped forward Friday to confirm the identities of the following deceased victims, as reported by CBS News Boston/WBZ-TV. 

The family of William A. Young, 44, confirmed that he died at Just-In-Time on Wednesday night. Young’s brother said he “was always trying to make people laugh and always enjoyed life to the fullest.”

Young’s 14-year-old son Aaron was also killed in the shooting at the bowling alley. Aaron’s uncle said he was gentle, thoughtful, and “enjoyed doing anything his father was doing.”

Bob Violette, 76, a bowling instructor, was teaching a group of children at Just-In-Time when the shooting began. His death was confirmed by his daughter, who said of her father, “There wasn’t a kid that he wouldn’t help. … He was just always a warm presence.”

Violette’s co-worker said he was “so kind and he was always super understanding. He was very patient with everybody.”

Michael Deslauriers II, 51, was shot and killed while bowling with friends and family, his father confirmed. Deslauriers and a friend reportedly moved their family members to safety before attempting to charge the shooter.

Joseph Walker, 57,  who was working at Schemengees as a bar manager, died after charging the shooter with a knife, his father said.

Several members of the local deaf community who were participating in a cornhole tournament at the bar were killed by the gunman. The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf confirmed the deaths of Joshua Seal, 36; Billy Brackett, 48; Steve Vozzella, 45; and Bryan MacFarlane, 41. 

MacFarlane’s sister Keri said that her brother “loved riding motorcycles, camping in his trailer, snowmobiling, fishing, hanging out with Deaf friends, and especially loved his dog named M&M.”

Arthur Strout, 42, another victim of the shooting, was playing pool with his father at the bar Wednesday night. The senior Mr. Strout said that, shortly after he left the bar, the gunman entered and killed his son, who was a father of five. 

Peyton Brewer-Ross, 40, was identified as one of the victims of the shooting by his employer, who said that he “was a valuable part of our team.”

“He was hired just five years ago and was making a positive impact on our company. He will be sorely missed,” said his employer, Bath Iron Works.

Tricia Asselin, 53, was identified as a victim of the shooting by her mother, Alicia Lachance. Lachance described her daughter as “the most caring person there was” and said she “had a great passion for life,” per NBC News. 

Late Friday afternoon, Maine’s public safety director Mike Sauschuck held a press conference to announce that all 18 of the deceased victims had been identified. The victims, 16 males and two females, ranged in age from 14 to 76.

The other victims included Lucille Violette, 73, the wife of Bob Violette; Ronald Morin, 55; Maxx Hathaway, 35; Thomas Conrad, 34; Jason Walker, 51; and Keith Macneir, 64.