More than 90 people who lost loved ones in the Lewiston mass shooting last October are trying to obtain the gunman's medical and military records through his estate. A Sagadahoc County probate judge may determine whether to release those records during a hearing scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
On Oct. 25, 2023, Robert Card, of Bowdoin, shot and killed 18 people, injuring 13 others, at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston. His body was found two days later in Lisbon. Although he left a note at his home with information about how to access his accounts, according to court filings, he had no will.
The 40-year-old Army reservist's mental health had deteriorated in the months leading up to the shooting, the deadliest in Maine's history. He had been hospitalized in New York last summer and his family had asked police to check on him, though they never made contact.
The shortcomings of various agencies, including the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Army, have been the focus of reports and investigations in the last year. But these agencies have refused to share Card's medical records with the public.
Cynthia Young, who lost her husband Bill, 44, and her son Aaron, 14, in the shooting at Just-In-Time Recreation filed a petition to become a special administrator of Card's estate for the limited purpose of seeing and releasing those records.
The petition is notably unopposed by Card's only son. He signed a form on June 11, stating he doesn't object to Young's request.
If approved, Young would be able to see and release Card's military records, personnel records, medical records, mental health records, substance abuse records and phone records.
Young declined to speak with a reporter Monday. Her attorney, Barbara Carlin, did not respond to messages asking about the filings.
"These records are important to help those who have been affected by this tragedy to evaluate potential legal claims, including claims against the United States Government," Young's petition states. "This information also may help those family members understand why the mass shooting occurred and what steps could have been taken to prevent it."
Her petition references four law firms representing approximately 90 family members and survivors. Two of those lawyers, Travis Brennan and Ben Gideon, have said they want accountability from the military, which allowed Card to return to civilian life two months before the shooting, despite clear warning signs.
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