An avid bowler, a beloved manager: details emerge of Maine shooting victims
This article is more than 2 months oldEighteen people were killed in Wednesday’s shooting, the largest mass shooting of 2023 so far
The mass shooting in Maine left 18 people dead in attacks at a restaurant and a bowling alley in Lewiston on Wednesday night.
Law enforcement is still searching for shooting suspect Robert Card, 40, who is considered armed and dangerous. So far this year, the US has witnessed the second-highest number on record of mass killings to this point in a single year. Only 2019 had more mass killings.
Details have started to emerge of the victims of the largest mass shooting of 2023 so far.
Bob Violette
The Portland Press Herald has identified 76-year-old Bob Violette as one of the victims killed on Wednesday night in Lewiston. Violette was a retired Sears mechanic and avid bowler, according to his daughter-in-law.
The Portland Press Herald reported: “Violette was born and raised in Lewiston and grew up speaking French and attending Catholic church … a life-long Lewiston resident, Bob had deep ties to the community and was the type of person who made everyone feel comfortable and cared for”, his daughter-in-law, Cassandra, said.
“He wouldn’t let you walk out the door without giving him a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. He was just there for everything,” she said.
He loved kids and had a special bond with his grandchildren. His eldest grandsons regularly participated in youth bowling nights with him on Wednesdays, and he and his oldest grandson shared a love of Chinese Food.
Tricia Asselin
Tricia Asselin was confirmed as one of the victims who died at Just-in-Time Recreation, her brother, who asked not to be named, confirmed to ABC News. She was a part-time employee at the bowling alley.
Asselin was the only woman killed at the bowling venue. “It’s very emotional, but Tricia is the type of person who would have done anything for children and anybody,” her mother, Alicia Lachance, told Rolling Stone.
Bill Brackett
Bill Brackett was confirmed as one of the victims by his father, William Brackett. His father told ABC News that Bill was part of a gathering of deaf people playing cornhole at Schemengees Bar & Grill.
Steven Vozzella
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Steven Vozzella was confirmed as one of the victims by his brother Nick Vozzella to ABC News. He too was at the gathering for deaf people.
Joseph Walker
Joseph Walker, 56, was confirmed as one of the victims by his father Leroy Walker Sr. Joseph was the manager at Schemengees Bar & Grill.
His father told ABC News that his son attempted to go after the gunman but he was shot twice in the stomach. Leroy said everyone called Joseph “Cueball” because he had his head shaved for years.
Bryan MacFarlane
Bryan MacFarlane, 40, was killed at Schemengees Bar & Grille while playing cornhole, his sister Keri told CNN. She said he was part of the “tight-knit” local deaf community who gather there on Wednesdays to play the game.
MacFarlane, who also loved his motorbike and his dog, was one of the first deaf people in Vermont to get a commercial truck driving license. “Many states don’t let deaf drive trucks so I’m very proud of him for achieving that. He worked as a truck driver for several years,” Brooks said.
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