Mass Shooting in Lewiston, Maine: Victims Identified and Remembered
In a tragic act of violence on Wednesday night in Lewiston, Maine, innocent individuals lost their lives while enjoying a typical evening out. Some were engaged in a cornhole tournament, while others were simply dining. However, the evening took a horrifying turn when a shooter abruptly ended their sense of security and enjoyment. As the identities of the victims are revealed, grief engulfs yet another American community.
After a rigorous two-day search, authorities announced on Friday evening that the suspect responsible for the massacre had been found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The lifeless body of Robert Card was discovered along a river in nearby Lisbon Falls, according to State Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck.
Officials were able to identify all the victims on Friday. The youngest casualty was a 14-year-old boy who had been bowling with his father, while the oldest was a 76-year-old man. This incident marks the deadliest mass shooting in the United States this year, surpassing the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 students and two teachers lost their lives in a similar act of violence. Shockingly, there have been 566 mass shootings this year alone across the country, with at least four individuals (excluding the shooter) falling victim in each incident, as reported by the Gun Violence Archive.
Meet the Victims of the Lewiston Mass Shooting
Tricia Asselin
Tricia Asselin, 53, was a beloved member of her close-knit family and worked part-time at Just-in-Time Recreation, the bowling alley where the shooting occurred, as her siblings revealed to CNN. Even on her night off, Asselin chose to spend her time at Just-in-Time. Her brother recounted the events, stating that when the shooting began, Tricia bravely ran to the counter to dial 911, but tragically, she was shot. Her selfless actions were not surprising to those who knew her. Her other sister, who was present during the shooting, managed to escape unharmed.
Stephen Vozzella
Stephen Vozzella, 45, was an active member of the New England Deaf Cornhole community and was known for his enthusiasm and infectious smile during competitions. The National Association of Letter Carriers, representing U.S. Postal Service employees, also praised Vozzella’s vibrant presence. Brian L. Renfroe, President of NALC, expressed his sorrow, stating that Vozzella had so much more life to live before it was stolen from him in yet another senseless act of gun violence. The Governor Baxter School for the Deaf also acknowledged Vozzella’s tragic death, recognizing that multiple lives within their community were lost that night. The New England Deaf Cornhole league, where Vozzella actively participated, plans to honor him with a moment of silence during a forthcoming tournament in November.
Peyton Brewer-Ross
Peyton Brewer-Ross, 39, was engrossed in a cornhole tournament at Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant when he lost his life. According to his brother, Brewer-Ross adored playing cornhole and cherishing moments spent with friends at Schemengees. However, his greatest joy in life was being a father. Just two weeks ago, he celebrated his daughter Elle’s second birthday.
Tommy Conrad
Tommy Conrad, 34, was the manager of the bowling alley where the tragic event occurred. He leaves behind a 9-year-old daughter, as confirmed by his family.
Michael Deslauriers II
Michael Deslauriers II, 51, demonstrated unparalleled bravery as he attempted to charge at the shooter inside the bowling alley. His father, Michael Deslauriers Sr., shared on Facebook that his son and a friend tragically lost their lives while attempting to stop the shooter. Deslauriers Sr., who serves as the chairman of the Sabattus Historical Society, described the pain of delivering this devastating news. However, he expressed no feelings of hatred towards the killer and instead emphasized the importance of faith and letting God take control.
Bryan MacFarlane
Bryan MacFarlane, 40, was actively participating in the cornhole tournament at Schemengees when he was fatally shot. According to his sister, MacFarlane was an active member of the local deaf community and regularly attended gatherings at Schemengees, where deaf individuals would come together to play cornhole.
Arthur “Artie” Strout
Arthur “Artie” Strout, 42, had been present at Schemengees during the shooting, as confirmed by his father, Arthur Bernard. Bernard had just left the establishment when he received the horrific news of an active shooter. Initially, the family believed that Strout was at the hospital, but they tragically learned of his death on Thursday. Strout leaves behind five children.
Joseph Walker
Joseph Walker, 57, was a victim at Schemengees and had the heartbreaking intention of confronting the gunman with a knife to protect others. As relayed to Walker’s wife by state police, Joseph, the bar manager, made a valiant attempt to prevent further bloodshed. After a 14-hour wait, Walker’s family finally received confirmation of his tragic demise. Leroy Walker, Joseph’s father, expressed immense pride in his son’s selfless actions, emphasizing that he was a compassionate individual who touched the lives of thousands. Leroy Walker holds no hatred towards the perpetrator and instead shifts the focus to healing and forgiveness.
Joshua Seal
Joshua Seal, 36, an esteemed American Sign Language interpreter, was actively participating in the cornhole tournament for deaf athletes at Schemengees when his life was tragically cut short. Seal served as the director of interpreting services at Pine Tree Society and gained recognition for his work as a lead interpreter for the deaf during Maine Gov. Janet Mills’ and Dr. Nirav Shah’s Covid-19 briefings. In a Facebook tribute to her late husband, Elizabeth Seal described Joshua as a dedicated father who cherished spending time with their children. She further detailed his qualities as a loving husband, best friend, exceptional boss, talented interpreter, and devoted family member. The loss of Joshua Seal will undeniably have long-lasting effects on countless individuals throughout Maine.
This devastating mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing gun violence crisis plaguing communities across America. As names and stories of the victims come to light, the urgency for change and solutions grows stronger. Let us honor the memories of those who lost their lives by working towards a safer future for all.
