Maine shooter’s family alleges he hallucinated conversations about him at bowling alley and bar.
OAN’s Brooke Mallory
11:31 AM – Thursday, October 26, 2023
According to his sister-in-law, the suspect in the Maine shooting, Robert Card, was experiencing a severe mental health crisis. He claimed to hear people talking about him inside the bar and bowling alley where he allegedly opened fire on Wednesday.
“He truly believed he was hearing people say things. This all just happened within the last few months,” said Katie O’Neill, who is married to Card’s brother.
“I have known Rob my whole life. He is quiet but the most loving, hardworking, and kind person that I know. But in the past year, he had an acute episode of mental health,” O’Neill added.
Following the Wednesday night rampage at the Just-in-Time Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston, a fugitive warrant has been issued for the arrest of 40-year-old Card.
Following the incident, authorities verified that at least 13 people were injured and 18 people were killed.
According to O’Neill, Card even began wearing “powerful hearing aids” in the days before the shooting to better hear his hallucinations.
“He would get mad and claim that we didn’t believe him. We tried to listen to him and tell him that nobody was talking about him… Yesterday, as the story was unfolding, we prayed that Rob had nothing to do with this. But when we heard the two places where the shooting happened, my husband rushed home.”
Based on the identified victims so far, Card, an Army Reservist who spent time in a mental health hospital this summer after reporting hearing voices, is now facing eight counts of murder in connection with the shooting, as announced by law enforcement during a news conference on Thursday.
Col. William Ross of the Maine State Police warned that Card is considered “armed and dangerous” and has been missing for over 16 hours.
The manhunt, with the assistance of state and federal authorities, is still ongoing, and residents of Lewiston, Auburn, and nearby cities have been ordered to shelter-in-place as of Thursday.
O’Neill urged Card to surrender himself to the authorities.
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What steps are authorities taking to apprehend the suspect and ensure the safety of the community during the manhunt
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Title: Mental Health Crisis: Suspect in Maine Shooting Suffers Severe Mental Illness
Introduction:
In recent news, a mass shooting took place in Lewiston, Maine, leaving 18 people dead and several injured. The suspect, Robert Card, is still at large, and authorities are conducting a manhunt to apprehend him. Disturbingly, it has been revealed that Card had been experiencing a severe mental health crisis leading up to the tragic incident.
Mental Health Crisis:
According to Card’s sister-in-law, he had been going through a period of extreme mental distress. He claimed to hear voices speaking about him inside the bar and bowling alley where the shooting occurred. This delusion greatly contributed to his actions on that fateful Wednesday night.
Support from Family:
Katie O’Neill, Card’s brother’s wife, shared that Card had been loved and admired by his family for his kind nature and hard work. However, over the past year, he had a sudden acute episode of mental illness. O’Neill mentioned that Card genuinely believed the voices he heard and even started wearing powerful hearing aids to amplify these hallucinations.
The Tragic Outcome:
The shooting took place at two different locations, Just-in-Time Recreation bowling alley and Schemengees Bar, causing widespread panic and resulting in numerous casualties. Thirteen people were injured, and tragically, 18 lost their lives. The identification of the victims has led to Card being charged with eight counts of murder.
A Missing Fugitive:
Card is currently labeled as a fugitive, and a fugitive warrant has been issued for his arrest. Law enforcement officials have warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous. Despite efforts from state and federal authorities, Card remains missing, as the manhunt enters its 16th hour.
Community in Lockdown:
In response to the ongoing manhunt, residents of Lewiston, Auburn, and nearby cities have been instructed to shelter-in-place. This precaution aims to ensure the safety of the community and aid in the capture of the suspect.
A Plea for Surrender:
In light of these heartbreaking events, Katie O’Neill delivered a heartfelt message, urging Card to surrender himself to the authorities. The family’s concern and hope for a peaceful resolution are palpable.
Conclusion:
The mass shooting in Maine has shed light on the devastating effects of untreated mental illness. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of mental health support and intervention services within our communities. As the manhunt for Robert Card continues, it is crucial to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about mental health, striving to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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