Police Find Body of Suspected Killer at Maine Recycling Centre

Authorities in Lewiston, US have found the body of a man suspected of killing 18 people after searching a recycling centre. The suspect was also responsible for injuring 13 others during a shooting rampage.

In a shocking turn of events, the body of a man suspected of killing 18 people in Lewiston was found at a recycling centre in Maine. The police had searched the site twice before they eventually discovered Robert Card's body on Friday. The Maine Recycling Corp property, which houses up to 60 trailers, became the final resting place for the 40-year-old firearms instructor.

Card was accused of injuring an additional 13 people during his shooting spree at a bowling alley and bar on Wednesday night in Lewiston. Authorities have confirmed that he died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Jim Ferguson, ATF special agent in charge in Boston, revealed that all weapons used by Card were legally purchased. Although he did not disclose further details about these firearms, he assured there were more than three involved.

Mental Health Concerns

During Saturday’s press conference, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck revealed that Card had battled mental illness throughout his life but had never been involuntarily committed. He suggested paranoia as a likely reason behind Card's choice of targets; believing people were conspiring against him.

A Community In Mourning

Following days of lockdown after this unprecedented event, life is gradually returning to normalcy in Lewiston – a city with approximately 37,000 residents who are now trying to move past this tragedy. Local businesses like Forage café have reopened their doors after being closed for several days amidst extensive search operations for Card.

Maine’s Deadliest Shooting

This incident has left deep scars on Maine – a state with relatively low violent crime rates and only reported 29 killings throughout last year. Residents across Lewiston and its surrounding communities were instructed to remain indoors as hundreds of law enforcement officers swarmed the area. The stay-at-home order was lifted on Friday, and Card's body was found hours later.

Aftermath

Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed relief at the news of Card's death, hoping it would allow the healing process to begin. The Maine Department of Public Safety has also announced plans to open a Family Assistance Centre in Lewiston to provide support for victims.

Card’s Past

Card served as a US Army reservist and had worked at Maine Recycling Corp for several years. He underwent a mental health evaluation last summer after exhibiting erratic behaviour during training. He was committed to a mental health facility for two weeks following reports of hearing voices and threats against a military base.

The Investigation Continues

The police investigation is ongoing with family members revealing that Card had recently discussed hearing voices and developed an obsession with the bowling alley and bar – his eventual targets. They were among the first to contact investigators after surveillance pictures of the shooter were released.

In conclusion, this incident marks one of the deadliest shootings in recent history not just in Maine but across America - making it 36th mass killing in United States this year alone according to AP/USA Today/Northeastern University database records. As investigations continue, communities affected by this tragedy are left grappling with grief while trying their best to move forward together.