'Warning signs were ignored': Families share heartbreak to Lewiston Mass Shootings commission
Family members of the victims injured and killed in two mass shootings in Lewiston shared their grief at a commission meeting Thursday.
On Oct. 25, a gunman walked into Just in Time Recreation and Schemengees Bar and Grill and opened fire. Eighteen people were killed between the two locations, and many others were injured.
Spouses, children and parents stepped forward to tell stories of their loved ones and the pain following the shootings. They spoke with the commission investigating the shooting as many call for change and a way to prevent future tragedies.
Kathleen Walker was with her husband, Jason, at Just-in-Time Recreation when the shooting occurred.
"I remember my son Jonathan telling me he screamed at officers to let him see his father until he was hoarse, and when they wouldn't let him in. He sent his father a text that said, 'I'm sorry I wasn't there, I love you, and I will see you in heaven father,'" Walker said.
Jason Walker was one of the people who attempted to subdue the gunman.
"I no longer feel safe. I lock every door, I installed cameras in my home; when I go out, I carry a firearm with me. I always look over my shoulder, and I flinch at loud sounds. I need to check on my kids each time I hear a siren because I could not bear any more grief than the weight I already carry," Walker said.
Members of the deaf community who also lost loved ones were present with interpreters available to them.
Megan Vozzella's husband was killed at Schemengees.
"It's devastating. My heart is broken for my daughter. My daughter had to hear those words about her dad," Vozzella signed.
They told the commission there was a lack of access to interpreters when families were looking for information following the shooting.
"At that point we knew deaf people were involved, they knew deaf people were involved, there were no interpreters there. My mother-in-law has limited sign language, but she was the one who had to tell me that my husband had probably passed away at that point," Elizabeth Seal signed. "For her to have to relay that information to me about her son is horrible, there should have been an interpreter there at that point."
The families hope that change will be made in the future.
"This horror could and should have been prevented. Warning signs were ignored. The many times that family and friends expressed concern about Robert Card's mental health to the Army and law enforcement should have been taken seriously." Stacy Sear, whose partner was killed, said.
The commission will meet again on Feb. 15, when they will hear testimony from Maine State Police.