Breaking: Mysterious Motive Uncovered as Maine Shooting Suspect Found Dead in Cargo Trailer

LEWISTON, Maine, Oct 28 (Reuters) – The tragic shooting incident that occurred in Lewiston, Maine this week has taken a new turn as police have confirmed that the U.S. Army reservist responsible for the attack took his own life. The suspect, identified as Robert R. Card, 40, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a cargo trailer at a recycling plant where he used to work.

The announcement of Card’s death comes after a 48-hour search for the suspect, who killed a total of 18 people in the bowling alley and bar. The shooting spree, which is now considered the most lethal act of firearms violence in the state’s history, prompted a lockdown and an intense manhunt throughout Lewiston and other communities in southern Maine.

During a news briefing on Saturday, Maine Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck revealed that Card’s body was discovered by a state police tactical team inside an unlocked shipping container in an overflow lot at the recycling plant. The lot, which housed dozens of tractor-trailer rigs, including 50 to 60 cargo trailers, had been overlooked during the initial search.

Card’s body was found dressed in the same brown sweatshirt that he was seen wearing in surveillance footage from the night of the attack. However, investigators have not disclosed how long they believe Card had been dead.

The recycling plant is located less than a mile away from where Card’s abandoned getaway vehicle was found shortly after the shooting. A rifle was recovered from the white Subaru, and two additional guns were found with Card’s body. All weapons were legally purchased by Card, according to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

While officials have yet to determine a motive for the shooting, Sauschuck mentioned a note that was found at Card’s residence. The note, addressed to a loved one, included the passcode to Card’s phone and bank account information. Sauschuck described the note as indicating that Card had no intention of being around.

Investigators have also found evidence suggesting a mental health component to the tragedy. Card reportedly suffered from paranoia and believed that people were talking about him, factors that may have influenced his choice of targets.

As the community of Lewiston tries to heal from the devastating incident, a candlelight vigil was held in nearby Lisbon to honor the victims. Meanwhile, residents are slowly returning to their daily routines, with a sense of normalcy appearing to be restored.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and officials are continuing to search for answers. The incident has left many feeling a mix of relief and frustration, knowing that the suspect will never face justice.

Reported by Gabriella Borter in Lewiston, Maine; Additional reporting by Julia Harte and Jonathan Allen in New York, Rich McKay in Atlanta, and Daniel Trotta in Carlsbad, California; Writing by Steve Gorman; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Diane Craft, David Gregorio, and Daniel Wallis

Reference