Official says Maine gunman was possible useless 8 to 12 hours after being discovered

The gunman who killed 18 individuals in Lewiston, Maine, final month was possible useless for 8 to 12 hours earlier than his physique was found per week in the past, a authorities official mentioned Friday.

The shooter’s physique was found with an obvious gunshot wound at 7:45 p.m. on Oct. 27 on the sprawling recycling middle in Lisbon Falls, about 8 miles from Lewiston, authorities mentioned. Police searched the property twice the day past, however the suspect was not situated, authorities mentioned.

On the time, officers mentioned it was unclear how lengthy the shooter, Robert Card, had been useless when his physique was discovered.

Maine Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Mark Flomenbaum mentioned Friday that “Mr. Card possible died 8 to 12 hours earlier than he was situated.”

Flomenbaum confirmed authorities’ preliminary perception that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“Mr. Card’s explanation for dying was decided to be a gunshot wound to the pinnacle and the style of dying was suicide,” his workplace mentioned in an announcement.

The Maine Division of Public Security didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark. The Lisbon Police Division, which has jurisdiction the place the physique was discovered, additionally didn’t instantly reply.

It’s not clear when the shooter entered the trailer the place his physique was discovered. Lisbon Police Division Chief Ryan McGee mentioned the car parking zone the place the physique was discovered was not the main target of earlier searches.

The suspect, an Military reservist, opened fireplace with a semi-automatic rifle at Schemengees Bar and Grille and the Simply-In-Time Recreation bowling alley on the night of Oct. 25 earlier than fleeing, authorities mentioned.

Three hours after the taking pictures started, a Subaru linked to the gunman was discovered close to a ship ramp alongside the Androscoggin River that additionally runs behind the recycling middle, authorities mentioned. He disappeared, and space residents have been requested to shelter in place as an enormous manhunt started.

After two days, the concern was changed by reduction, then mourning.

On Friday, President Joe Biden and First Woman Jill Biden visited Lewiston to commemorate the useless and name for better restrictions on gun possession.

“That is about defending our freedom to go to a bowling alley, or a restaurant, or a college, or a church, with out getting shot or killed,” he mentioned.