A woman who tragically lost her husband and son in a devastating shooting in Maine is taking legal action to obtain the gunman’s health and military records through the probate process. Cynthia Young has filed a petition to become a special administrator of Robert Card’s estate in order to access the records for herself, other bereaved families, and attorneys preparing legal actions. The move has been unopposed by Card’s son, who is the sole heir, with a hearing scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
The records being sought will be crucial in assessing legal claims and could provide insights into the reasons behind the mass shooting and potential preventive measures that could have been taken. The horrific incident took place on October 25, 2023, when the 40-year-old Army reservist opened fire at two locations in Lewiston, Maine, resulting in the loss of eighteen lives.
Among the victims were Cynthia Young’s husband Bill and her 14-year-old son Aaron, who were attacked at a bowling alley, one of the targeted locations. The other site was a bar and grill hosting a cornhole tournament. An independent commission investigating the tragedy found that both the Army Reserve and law enforcement agencies had missed opportunities to intervene in the gunman’s mental health crisis and prevent the use of his weapons.
In her petition, Young clarified that her request for the gunman’s documents has a limited scope and will not hinder any future probate proceedings by the family or others. With four law firms collectively representing 90 plaintiffs, an administrator is required to facilitate the acquisition of information necessary for investigating claims, as stated in Young’s filing.
On the same day as the probate hearing, religious leaders gathered outside the Maine State House to lead a service of remembrance and prayer for all the victims, with the names of those who lost their lives being read out. Leaders from various denominations offered prayers for the healing of survivors, as well as for the families and friends of the victims, including the family of the gunman.
This legal action by Cynthia Young sheds light on the ongoing efforts to seek justice and understanding in the aftermath of the tragic shooting in Maine.