Lewiston, Maine — In the aftermath of Maine’s most devastating mass shooting, Cynthia Young, who tragically lost both her husband and teen son, is seeking access to the gunman’s health and military records. This initiative, part of her recent appointment as special administrator of the shooter’s estate, aims to provide insight and legal leverage for the families ravaged by the event.
A judge approved Young’s petition this Tuesday, allowing her to access critical information held by Robert Card, the Army reservist responsible for the massacre. Without opposition, Card’s son, the sole heir, agreed to the disclosure that legal experts suggest could be pivotal in understanding the tragedy and shaping future safety policies.
The tragedy unfolded on October 25, 2023, when Card targeted attendees at a local bowling alley and a bar & grill hosting a cornhole tournament, leaving 18 dead including Young’s husband, Bill, and 14-year-old son, Aaron.
The records procured could be essential in piecing together Card’s mental and military background, shedding light on potential missed warnings and preventative measures. The significance of these details underscores ongoing lawsuits and broader inquiries into how the gunman’s breakdown eluded definitive action by both law enforcement and military entities. An independent commission previously reported that both the Army Reserve and police failed to adequately respond to the gunman’s escalating psychiatric crisis and missed opportunities to confiscate his weapons.
By stepping into the role of special administrator — a position approved during a probate hearing — Young aims to facilitate the acquisition of documents that may reveal more about Card’s condition and actions leading up to the shooting. This data is crucial not only for the ongoing legal battles involving 90 plaintiffs, represented by four law firms but also for fostering a broader understanding among grieving families.
On the same day as the probate hearing, an ecumenical service outside the Maine State House called the community together for remembrance and healing. Faith leaders from ten denominations gathered, offering prayers for the victims’ families, the survivors, and even the family of the perpetrator, highlighting the widespread impact of the tragedy.
This case marks a poignant chapter in Maine’s history as the legal and community responses continue to develop in the shadow of the event. Insights gained from Card’s records are hoped to contribute to both healing and systemic change, preventing such failures in the face of future crises. Through legal avenues and community solidarity, Lewiston seeks to mend and perhaps answer the lingering whys of that harrowing day.