Honoring the Victims of the Lewiston Mass Shooting
Photo by Owen Kingsley of WGME
Links to support the families and survivors
All of these fundraising links have been independently created to support the families left behind in the wake of the Lewiston, Maine mass shooting on October 25th, 2023. Please contact me to add one to the list.
General Funds
General fund started by VictimsFirst
General fund started by Maine Community Foundation
General fund started by L/A Harley-Davidson
Apparel Fundraisers
Lewiston Strong fundraiser from Rogue Life Maine. All purchase proceeds will be donated to the families.
Deaf Maine fundraiser from Sisters in Style. All purchase proceeds will support the deaf survivors.
Maine Deaf Heart Stickers. All proceeds will support the deaf families and survivors.
Victim Funds
Billy Brackett — to support his wife and their baby daughter.
Peyton Brewer-Ross — to support his partner and their baby daughter.
Tom Conrad — to support his wife and daughter.
Max Hathaway — to support his pregnant wife and daughters.
Bryan MacFarlane — to support his family and start a scholarship
Keith Macneir — to support his son.
Ron Morin — to support his wife and children.
Bob & Lucy Violette — to support their family.
Steve Vozella — to support his family.
Joseph Walker — to support his family.
Bill & Aaron Young — to support their family.
Survivor Funds
Ben Dyer — to support medical costs, bills, and his family.
Justin Karcher — to support medical costs.
Steve Richards Kretlow — to support his family and medical costs.
Gavin Robitaille — to support his family and medical and recovery costs.
Kyle Secor — to support medical costs and his family.
Community resources and mental health support
If you are in crisis and need immediate help or somebody to talk to, please call or text 988. Help is available 24/7. You matter.
NAMI Maine resources for mental health support
NAMI US extended resource list for mental health support
Resources from Maine Community Fund
October 25th, 2023 - A nightmare in Lewiston, Maine
On Wednesday October 25th, 2023, at 6:56 PM, 911 dispatch received a call that a shooting had occurred at Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine. Within a minute-and-a-half of the call, 4 plainclothes officers (who happened to be nearby at a shooting range and heard the call over the radio) arrived at the scene. The shooter was nowhere to be found.
At 7:08 PM, dispatch received calls about an active shooter from Schmengee’s Bar and Grill, a pool hall four miles from the bowling alley. The first officer arrived 5 minutes later. Again, the shooter had disappeared.
The suspect was quickly identified as 40-year-old Robert Card of Bowdoin, who was a highly skilled member of the military and had extensive experience with firearms.
An emergency shelter in place was ordered for the area after the suspect hadn’t been caught right away.
The next morning officials confirmed and clarified that 18 people had been killed in the attack, with about a dozen or so injured.
350 state and local police from Maine and other New England states, FBI, ATF, Game Wardens and other officials participated in the search for this man.
The manhunt went on for about 48 hours until the shooter was found dead in nearby Lisbon the night of Friday October 29th, of self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Dept confirmed at 9:20pm he’d been located deceased.
One part of this nightmare was finally over, but the rest is only just beginning.
As a born-and-raised Mainer who creates this show out of central Maine, my heart is absolutely broken over this tragedy.
Everyone's hearts are broken; Born and raised Mainers. 5th generation Mainers. Just-moved-to-Maine Mainers. Friends of Mainers. Fans from away. Honorary Mainers. Moved-away Mainers.
All of us.
Maine's community is special. We will come out of this stronger, more empathetic, and closer.
These 18 people, their names, and the stories their families and friends decide to share should be our focus now that he has been located. He took too much of our focus out of necessity. Now, it's time we shift to remember and honor them.
These are the victims who lost their lives at Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley, which was hit first.
Thomas Ryan Conrad, 34
Thomas was a manager at the Just-in-Time Recreation, and he was one of several men who attempted to take down and disarm the gunman.
Thomas was a Veteran of the US Army, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
His friend, Adam Stoddard, told the Lewiston Sun Journal "He was great with all of the bowling community kids. They all loved him. He loved them so much he [scarified his life] to save the children who were there. He died a hero."
Thomas had recently returned to Maine to be closer to his 9-year-old daughter.
Michael R. Deslauriers Jr. 51, and his good friend, Jason Adam Walker, 51
Michael R. Deslauriers
Michael R. Deslauriers
Jason Adam Walker
Michael and Jason were close friends having a fun night out together. Michael was one of several who were killed while trying to rush the gunman and stop the violence.
Michael’s father shared in a Facebook post to the Sabattus Historical Society: “I have the hardest news for a father to ever have to share. My son Michael Deslauriers jr. and his dearest friend Jason Walker were murdered last night at the bowling alley. They made sure their wives and several young children were under cover then they charged the shooter.”
Tricia C. Asselin, 53
Tricia Asselin, right
Tricia was a part-time employee at Just-in-Time Recreation.
She was an accomplished athlete, a volunteer, a mother, and the rock of her family. She also died a hero.
Tricia’s mother and sister were there visiting. Her mother told NPR that they were chatting near the lanes when the shots rang out, and instead of exiting the building with them to safety, Tricia ran back behind the counter to call 911. This is when she was killed.
Tricia was skilled in golf, fishing and softball, and even turned down a college softball scholarship to start her family. She was a volunteer with Make-A-Wish, and raised $900 for a local Susan G. Komen breast cancer research walk. She enjoyed going on cruises with her son.
Her mother told NPR, “I'll hold her in my heart forever, but I want her in my arms one more time.”
William A. Young, 44, and his son, Aaron Young, 14
Bill Young was a father and an auto mechanic. He was also the center of his family.
His cousin Kim told the Associated Press, "Bill was a man dedicated to his family. He was a master auto mechanic. Always trying to be a funny guy."
Bill had taken his 14-year-old son, Aaron, to Just-In Time to play in a youth bowling league Wednesday night.
Aaron was an honor student in Winthrop who was really proud of his grades. He was an avid bowler who received awards for his skills from the youth league.
His sister, Kayla, told the press, “I knew it would hit me when I got here, and [Aaron] wasn't here to greet me with a huge smile and a hug when we got in. My mom just keeps saying, 'He gives the best hugs.'”
Robert E. Violette, 76, and his wife Lucille M. Violette, 73
Bob and Lucille bowled “like clockwork every week”, according to their former daughter-in-law, Jessica, who was interviewed by Maine Public. Bob was the coach of the youth league, a program he started, and Lucy would bowl on Wednesdays.
The couple was described as kind and gentle people who were devoted grandparents. Bob wanted to share his love of bowling with others, and Lucy served in the public school system for 52 years. The superintendent of Lewiston schools said, “She supported youth, their development, loved bowling, a good laugh, and was a valued member of the business office at Lewiston Public Schools. She was one of the kindest people I have ever met."
A friend of Bob’s, Brandon Dubuc, told WMTW, “I have no doubt that he was protecting those kids until the end. He is just such a good man, that he deserves people to know about him and what he meant to everyone.”
Jessica, "I knew, pretty much automatically, that Bob would be one to get shot because he's a hero, he's a protector and a veteran. I knew would throw himself in front of the children and his wife."
These are the victims of Schmengee’s Bar & Grill, the pool hall that was hit second.
Keith D. Macneir, 64
Keith was the only person who wasn’t local to Maine. He had travelled from his home in Florida to visit his son in Maine and celebrate his 64th birthday.
His niece, Grace, wrote on Facebook that Keith was undoubtedly making new friends that night. She wrote, "Keith was the friendliest and kindest guy in any room —his loss will leave a huge hole in the lives of many, many people."
Ronald G. Morin, 55
Ron Morin was a dedicated husband and father of two. He is remembered for his gregarious and infectious personality, and as one who was always ready to make others laugh.
Ron had recently started posting almost daily quips on Facebook, including this. His final post the day before the shooting: “Why do men go to bars to meet women? Go to Target. The female to male ratio is 10 to 1. And they're already looking for things they don't need.”
His younger sister, Tonya, wrote ion the family’s GoFundMe, "He was an incredible husband, father, brother, uncle, son, and friend. To know Ron, was to instantly love him. He was a man who always put others before himself and looked for the humor and positivity in even the most tragic circumstances."
His son, Eric, called his father his "best friend.”
Peyton Brewer-Ross, 40
Peyton was a pipefitter at Bath Iron Works and part of the local machinists’ union. He was described as a wonderful and colorful person to be around. The union released a statement saying that Peyton would be remembered for his compassion, his ability to go above and beyond to support his fellow workers, his humor, and his strong character.”
Peyton was an avid cornhole player, and a huge fan of wrestling (especially “Macho Man” Randy Savage, who he would often quote) and comic books.
His brother, Ralph, told the Bangor Daily News that in his favorite photo of his brother, he’s wearing a red fringed “Randy ‘Macho Man’ Savage - Slim Jim jacket” and grinning from ear-to-ear. “Not many people could pull off wearing that jacket,” he said.
Peyton wore it when his sweet daughter, Elle, was born 2 years ago, and would wear it playing cornhole, which he was very excited to do that Wednesday night.
Ralph said, “Peyton and Elle, those two were a pair. She is a total daddy's girl - the first word that ever came out of her mouth was daddy.”
She now asks where her daddy is, and her mother, Peyton’s life partner and recent fiancé, Rachel, struggles to find the words to say. They had plans to buy a home together.
Everything was coming together for him, and in a moment, it was taken away
Joshua A. Seal, 36
Joshua Seal was a husband, a father of four and a tireless advocate for the Deaf community., especially in times of crisis. He was a skilled sign-language interpreter, and is remembered for his ASL interpretation of the pandemic briefings for Dr. Nirav Shah in Maine. He was “a star among the deaf and hard of hearing.”
He was part of a group from the deaf and hard of hearing community in Lewiston who frequently played cornhole at Schmengees. He was participating in a tournament for deaf people with his friends, Steve Vozzella, Bryan MacFarlane, and Billy Brackett, who were also killed. The men all knew each other through the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf.
Josh also helped to coordinate programs for summer camps for deaf and hard of hearing kids to “keep them engaged and not feel isolated”.
His wife, Elizabeth said he was the best father. He will be missed by many.
Bryan M. MacFarlane, 40
Bryan was a part of the group playing in the cornhole tournament with the deaf community. He would have turned 41 in December.
Bryan grew up in Portland and had recently moved back to Maine to be with his mother. He loved spending time with his deaf friends, and loved being outdoors riding his motorcycle, camping, and fishing.
Bryan was one of the first deaf people in the state of Vermont to get a commercial trucking driver’s license, and would often hit the road with his dog, M&M, named after his favorite candy.
His sister, Kerri, told CNN, “Many states don't let deaf drive trucks so I'm very proud of him for achieving that.”
Stephen M. Vozzella, 45
Steve was a part of the group playing in the cornhole tournament with the deaf community.
Cornhole was a big part of his life, and he was good at it. He was an active member of the New England Deaf Cornhole, who wrote on Facebook that he would be deeply missed both on and off the courts.
He was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers.
Steve was also a father of two, and was just about to celebrate his one-year wedding anniversary with his wife, Megan.
He was a pivotal member of Maine’s deaf community.
William Frank Brackett, 48
Billy was also a part of the group playing in the cornhole tournament with the deaf community.
Billy didn’t let being deaf stop him from doing anything he wanted to do. He was an avid sportsman, and loved just about any sport, participating in basketball, soccer, baseball and softball.
As a teen he would teach his fellow baseball team members sign language in the dugout, and as an adult he taught children basketball in the summer.
Billy was the father of a 2 ½ year old daughter, and this summer, he began taking her fishing, trying to teach her a love of the outdoors.
His father, whose name was also William, told the press, “He was just a gentle person. He was big and rugged and I guess maybe that's why all the little kids loved him. Maybe they thought, 'He'll be our protector.’”
Joseph Lawrence Walker, 57
Joseph Walker was the manager of Schemengees Bar & Grill, and the son of Auburn city councilor Leroy Walker, Sr. He died a hero.
Maine State Police said that Joseph grabbed a kitchen and tried to run towards the shooter and stop him from hurting other people. He was shot in the stomach twice.
His father, Leroy, in an interview with WGME said he wasn’t surprised to hear that’s how his son died; trying to save other people.
Leroy said, “My son was a great son. He never got in any trouble, and he did a lot of good things for a lot of people.” Joseph, along with many others, died a hero.
Arthur Fred Strout, 42
Arthur Strout was a father of five. He was playing pool at Schemengee’s with his father, also named Arthur Barnard.
His father left the bar early. He told CBS News, “I said, 'OK,' and he said 'I love you,' because all my kids tell me that every time we see each other... 10 minutes later, I get a phone call..."
Arthur was described by his wife, Kristy as a Christmas person who would sometimes start holiday preparations by Halloween. Together, they had a large, blended family, and they all loved to decorate the tree together. He strived to create a picture-perfect Christmas tree.
A close friend of the Strout family, Maria, described Arthur as a generous person who would share everything he had. She remembers him for his infectious and silly laugh.
Maxx A. Hathaway, 35
Maxx was playing pool Wednesday night with his pregnant wife, Brenda, who—now miraculously—left early before the shooting happened.
Maxx was a stay-at-home dad to two daughters with a third on the way, due in about a month. He loved anime, gaming, and playing pool.
His sister, Kelsay, wrote on the family’s GoFundMe for Brenda and his children that her brother was goofy and down to earth. Maxx "loved to joke around and always had an uplifting attitude no matter what was going on."
She wrote, "Growing up he would always play dolls with my younger sister Courtney and always loved to get into trouble”
Maxx’s three girls will have to grow up without their dad.
If you have any information that could help the police investigation into Robert Card or the shootings in Lewiston, please call the Maine State Police tip hotline at (207) 213-9526 or (207) 509-9002.
This text has been adapted from the Murder, She Told podcast episode, Honoring the Victim’s of Lewiston’s Mass Shooting. To hear more, find Murder, She Told on your favorite podcast platform.
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Sources For This Episode
Online Sources
'These are the victims of the Lewiston, Maine, mass shootings' (WMTW 8 ABC), 10/28/2023
'Youth bowling coach killed in Lewiston mass shooting died protecting children, friends say' (WMTW 8 ABC), 10/26/2023
Facebook page, Sabattus Historical Society (Facebook), 10/26/2023, by Michael Deslauriers, Sr.
'What we know about the victims in the Lewiston, Maine, mass shooting' (NPR), 10/28/2023, by Vanessa Romo, Ayana Archie, Emily Olson, Steve Mistler
'Local Lodge S6 Mourns The Loss Of Union Committee Member' (The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Local S6), 10/27/2023
'This family's grandfather was killed while trying to save those around him. Their grandmother is still missing.' (Maine Public), 10/27/2023, by Susan Sharon
'Family and friends pay tribute to victims of the Lewiston shootings' (Bangor Daily News), 10/26/2023, by Marie Weidmayer, Valerie Royzman, Julia Bayly
'Branch 241 member Stephen Vozzella killed in Maine shootings' (National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), 10/27/2023, by Brian Renfroe
''He shot my son to death' Auburn city councilor says son died trying to stop gunman at Lewiston bar' (WGME CBS 13), 10/26/2023, by Anna Coon
'A teen bowler, a shipbuilder and a sign language interpreter are among the Maine shooting victims' (Associated Press), 10/29/2023, by Holly Ramer, Lisa Rathke, Kathy McCormack, David Martin, And David Sharp
'Shooting victim ‘had everything lined up’ with his fiancee, young daughter' (Bangor Daily News), 10/27/2023, by Julia Bayly
'What we know about the victims of the Maine mass shooting' (CNN), 10/28/2023, by Jeanne Bonner, Jay Croft, Alaa Elassar
Photos
Photos from individual GoFundMe’s and news sources credited above. All photos have been individually edited and enhanced by Murder, She Told.
Cover photo by Owen Kingsley of WGME here
Credits
Created by, research, writing, recorded, and edited by Kristen Seavey