MAINE, USA — Members tasked with investigating the facts surrounding the mass shootings in Lewiston cut a meeting short Thursday after questions with an Army mental health contractor revealed she didn't have much to say about the investigation.
Patricia Moloney, a mental health expert and contractor working for the U.S. Army Reserve, was supposed to meet with commission members last week but failed to appear, noting she did not get the commission's subpoena.
Moloney works as a director within the Psychological Health Program, which is used to help treat Army reservists who are dealing with mental health challenges.
Questions from commission members revealed Moloney received a call mid-July last year from Suicide Prevention Manager Jason Rogers regarding concerns about Robert Card's mental wellbeing.
Card opened fire at two public spaces in Lewiston several months later, killing 18 people and injuring more than a dozen, in the deadliest mass shooting in Maine history.
"It was a year ago. I don't remember the particulars," Moloney explained. "He [Rogers] had wanted assistance for the soldier and the commander."
Moloney then went to investigate whether Card had already been assigned to a critical incident report for treatment, also known as a CCIR.
"My team lead told me that soldier was assigned, and then I had no further [action]. I stepped back," Moloney said.
Commission members questioned if any other action was taken by Moloney, citing a follow up email sent by Rogers about their phone conversation. However, Moloney says at that point it was out of her hands and no action was required.
"Your involvement with this case you just testified is very limited," commission member Paula Silsby said in response to Moloney's brevity.
Moloney also explained she is contracted by a separate company with about 18 others nationwide who work for PHP. However, only four team members work to represent the 99th Readiness Division of the Army reserve, where Card was stationed.
The 99th Readiness Division spans 13 states, from Virginia to Maine. It remains unclear whether any other mental health workers were contracted outside Moloney's testimony.
NEWS CENTER Maine has reached out to PHP leaders for clarity on the matter.