In a legal development following Maine's deadliest shooting, Cynthia Young, who lost her husband and son in the tragedy, has filed a petition to become a special administrator of Robert Card's estate. The purpose of this action is to obtain Card's health and military records, which could provide crucial insights into the events that unfolded approximately 11 months ago.
The shooting, which occurred on October 25, 2023, in Lewiston, Maine's second-largest city with a population of about 36,000, claimed 18 lives. Young's husband Bill and 14-year-old son Aaron were among those killed at a bowling alley, one of two locations targeted by Card. The other site was a bar and grill hosting a cornhole tournament, a popular lawn game in the United States.
Young's petition, which was not opposed by Card's son and sole heir, aims to gather information for herself, other victims' families, and attorneys preparing lawsuits. The records sought may help evaluate legal claims and potentially shed light on why the mass shooting occurred and what preventive measures could have been taken.
An independent commission has concluded that both the Army Reserve, a federal military reserve force founded in 1908, and law enforcement agencies missed opportunities to intervene in Card's psychiatric crisis. This finding raises questions about the effectiveness of current systems in place to identify and address potential threats.
The legal action takes place within the probate process, which is the legal procedure for administering a deceased person's estate. Young's petition emphasizes her limited role in obtaining documents related to Card, stating that it won't interfere with future probate proceedings by the family or others.
Four law firms are jointly representing 90 plaintiffs in potential lawsuits related to the shooting. The need for an administrator of Card's estate has arisen to sign necessary releases for obtaining information crucial to investigating claims.
Coinciding with the probate hearing, religious leaders held a service of remembrance and prayer outside the Maine State House in Augusta, which has been the state capital since 1827. The names of all victims were read aloud, and prayers were offered for healing and for the family of the gunman.
This tragic event has reignited discussions about gun control laws, which vary significantly by state in the United States. It also highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing mental health issues, particularly among military veterans who may suffer from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, it's worth noting that Maine, known as the "Pine Tree State," has a rich history dating back to its first permanent English settlement in 1607. The state, which joined the Union in 1820, is renowned for its extensive forests, significant lobster industry, and over 3,000 miles of coastline – more than California.
While the legal proceedings unfold, the people of Maine, like those at the end of the Appalachian Trail on Mount Katahdin, face a long and challenging journey towards healing and understanding in the wake of this unprecedented tragedy.
"The records will help parties evaluate legal claims and may help families understand why the mass shooting occurred and what steps could have been taken to prevent it."