LEWISTON, Maine — When Robert Card carried out Maine's worst mass shooting in history in October, his family first told police they believed Card was hearing voices in his head and thought local businesses he frequented would speak and post about him online. This is according to affidavits released by the Maine Attorney General's Office, which say Card believed his family was in on the conspiracy, too.
The four businesses are Schemengee's Bar and Grill and the Just-in-Time Recreation bowling alley — the two locations where Card killed 18 people total — as well as Gowell's Shop 'n Save in Litchfield and Mixers Nightclub and Lounge in Sabattus.
It is unknown why he targeted the two Lewiston locations, as the grocery store and nightclub were closer to his residence.
"I was shocked, it's like something I would never expect to see here," said Gowell's manager David Labonte. "We didn't know at the time. We didn't know until after."
Labonte said Card was a frequent customer at Gowell's, adding they would nod at each other often and offer a 'good morning' greeting.
He also said Card shopped at the store on Oct. 24, the day before he carried out the shooting.
"To find out after that we were targeted, I was like okay, I could never consider why?" Labonte said.
He said he doesn't understand why Card would target any establishment, and is remembering a loved one killed in the massacre who he was friends with over the decades.
Ronald Morin, who was killed at Schemengee's, was a friend known by Labonte and Gowell's ownership. Labonte said the two would do fantasy sports leagues together.
"It's something I don't understand, it angers me a little," Labonte said after finding out Card's family reportedly asked for help numerous times. "Red flags are screaming, 'I need help, I need help,' and, it's just like, 'well, we will just sweep this under the rug.'"
Representatives for Mixers, the other location potentially being targeted by Card but never actually visited, did not respond to email requests asking for comment. Acts at the nightclub were postponed all last week after the shooting.
David Singer, part of the band "Lit Council," said his band played at Mixers just several nights before the shooting.
"My heart immediately sank," Singer said. "Immediately, you ask yourself, 'what if? What if it had been a different day?'"
Mixers was closed on the evening of Oct. 24, the night Card carried out the attack.