A two-day manhunt in Maine concluded when law enforcement authorities announced they had found the body of Robert R. Card Jr., aged 40, who had died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Let’s dive into the article to know more about Robert Card, his parents, and his family.
Intensive Manhunt and Shelter Orders
While Robert Card was on the run, authorities had ordered tens of thousands of residents in Lewiston and nearby areas to stay home or shelter in place. They had cautioned the public about the armed and dangerous suspect.
The manhunt extended across a wide area of southern Maine, and law enforcement agencies conducted searches at various locations, including properties belonging to Card’s family in Bowdoin and a section of the Androscoggin River near a boat ramp in Lisbon Falls where his abandoned car had been discovered.
Discovery of Robert Card’s Body
Ultimately, law enforcement authorities located Robert Card’s body near a recycling center in Lisbon Falls, a location where he had previously worked.
The discovery was made at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, approximately 49 hours after the shooting rampage had begun. The authorities did not specify the exact time of Card’s death.
Military Service
Robert Card’s military service played a significant role in the context of the manhunt. According to the U.S. Army’s public affairs office, he held the rank of sergeant first class in the Army Reserve and had enlisted in December 2002.
Card’s role was that of a petroleum supply specialist, which involved the handling, shipping, and storage of vehicle and aircraft fuel.
Importantly, he had not participated in any combat deployments, as confirmed by an Army spokesman.
Incident at Camp Smith and Mental Health Evaluation
During the investigation, police looked into an incident involving Robert Card during a visit to Camp Smith, a National Guard training facility near Peekskill, New York.
This facility is in close proximity to West Point. According to a senior law enforcement official, Card had a confrontation with officials during this visit and was subsequently evaluated at a mental health facility.
Bryce Dubee, an Army spokesman, indicated that Card’s reserve unit had supported training at West Point during the summer.
However, there were no records to suggest that Card had instructed or taken part in any training activities. Mr. Dubee refrained from providing additional details, citing federal privacy regulations and the ongoing investigation.
Robert Card Parents
As of now, nothing is known about Robert Card’s parents. As the public seeks answers and seeks to understand the circumstances surrounding Robert Card, there is a growing desire to uncover information about his parents.
However, at this point in time, there is no accessible data regarding their names or occupations. Access to this information has been restricted, with local law enforcement and authorities providing only Card’s identity and a photograph of him holding a semi-automatic pistol.
The question of whether Card has any siblings remains unanswered, and no family photographs featuring Robert have surfaced in the media.
The paucity of information surrounding Card’s family history reflects the guarded nature of the investigation and the privacy of individuals not directly involved in the criminal incident.
It is common for authorities to withhold details about the families of suspects in high-profile cases to protect their privacy and prevent potential harm or harassment.
In such sensitive and distressing situations, the primary focus remains on the victims, their families, and the ongoing investigation to understand the motive and circumstances behind the mass shooting.
The tragedy has undoubtedly left a deep impact on the community, with an outpouring of support and condolences for those affected.
The community and the nation at large grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event, with many questions and emotions still to be addressed in the days and weeks to come.
Academic Background and Past
Robert Card attended the University of Maine between 2001 and 2004, where he majored in engineering technology. However, he did not complete his studies or graduate from the university.
The recycling center near where Card’s body was found is operated by Maine Recycling, and the company’s owner, Leo Madden, revealed that Card had worked there previously. Madden described Card’s demeanor while at Maine Recycling as no different from anyone else.