The tragic incident that unfolded in Lewiston, Maine, last week has left the community and the nation in shock. The mass shooter, identified as Robert Card, took the lives of 18 innocent people before ending his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Maine’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Mark Flomenbaum, released a statement regarding Card’s cause of death. According to Dr. Flomenbaum, the severity of Card’s head injury and the resulting blood loss made it challenging to determine the exact time of his death, a routine procedure in homicide cases. He stated that Card’s cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head, and the manner of death was suicide.
New: Maine's medical examiner office says gunman Robert Card likely killed himself 8-12 hours before he was located in the back of a trailer at a recycling company where he'd worked.
That would mean he was alive and hiding for most of the 2-day manhunt/lockdown around Lewiston. pic.twitter.com/T9lXDCF2gf
— Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs (@NickAtNews) November 3, 2023
Dr. Flomenbaum further explained that Card had an ’empty heart sign’ from the trauma of the gunshot wound. This term is used by pathologists to indicate a massive loss of blood. Due to this, the interpretation of the post-mortem interval may be compromised. The post-mortem interval refers to the time that passes since an individual’s death.
Under Maine law, the official time of death is when a person’s body is found. However, due to the circumstances surrounding Card’s death, it was difficult to pinpoint the exact moment he died. A spokesperson from the Medical Examiner’s Office provided an estimate, suggesting that Card was likely deceased 8-12 hours before being located.
Even more confused now! I’m not a pathologist, but I thought they used body temperature, and digestion of food in the body, and a few other ways to establish time of death! I never knew a gunshot wound to the brain was an issue?
Chief Medical Examiner Reveals Lewiston Mass…
— Dmturk (@abledanm) November 4, 2023
In addition to the cause and time of death, toxicology tests are being conducted to determine whether Card was under the influence during the shootings. These results, however, won’t be available for several months. This delay is due to the extensive nature of the studies being conducted.
The Lewiston mass shooting has once again brought the issue of gun control to the forefront. While it is crucial to respect the rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms, it is equally important to ensure that firearms do not end up in the wrong hands. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive and effective measures to prevent such tragedies.
The community of Lewiston is left to mourn the loss of 18 lives, while grappling with the knowledge that the perpetrator was one of their own. The healing process will be long and arduous, but the resilience of the human spirit should not be underestimated.
As we await further details from the ongoing investigation, it is essential to remember the victims and their families. They are the ones who have suffered the most in this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them during this difficult time.
In conclusion, the Lewiston mass shooting is a tragic event that has raised several questions regarding gun control, mental health, and the procedures surrounding post-mortem examinations. As we seek answers, let us also seek ways to prevent such incidents in the future.
