The Victim - a Westerly Mom Trailblazer

Julie Lynn Cardinal, who in 2016 led the fight to force Westerly Yacht Club to accept female members, was killed on Thursday in the shooting in Westerly, Rhode Island.

"Julie was a single mother, community leader, avid volunteer, our friend, and a truly beautiful soul," wrote House Minority Leader Blake Filippi in tribute. 

About Cardinal

At the beginning of 2016, women were still not allowed to be full members of the Westerly Yacht Club. And one woman -- Cardinal -- with a very public pronouncement after a vote upheld the males-only policy, helped to change that.

She was recognized by GoLocal as one of "16 Who Made a Difference in 2016" in Rhode Island.

On Thursday, a GoFundMe was started to raise funds for Cardinal's funeral expenses. 

See GoFundMe HERE

Julie Lynn Cardinal was a beloved mother, daughter, aunt, and friend. The tragic event that occurred in Westerly, Rhode Island today has left the family, friends, and the whole town devastated and heartbroken. 

Julie woke up today and went about her business like any other day until her life was unfairly taken.

There are no words to describe the pain in her loved ones' hearts. Her Gypsy Soul will continue to shine through her family and those she touched throughout the community.

Although she is up in heaven with God smiling down on us, this does not stop the real world from turning. 

The wake and funeral are just a few expenses that will suddenly burden the family this holiday season. 

Any donations to help aid this kind loving family are greatly appreciated

Is This a Mass Shooting?

Two people were killed, including the gunman, and two were wounded in the shooting in Westerly on Thursday morning.

According to the Department of Criminology at Penn, "In the United States, there are several different, but common, definitions of mass shootings. The Congressional Research Service defines mass shootings, as multiple, firearm, homicide incidents, involving 4 or more victims at one or more locations close to one another. The FBI definition is essentially the same. Often there is a distinction made between private and public mass shootings (e.g., a school, place of worship, or a business establishment). Mass shootings undertaken by foreign terrorists are not included, no matter how many people die or where the shooting occurs."

What Happened?

The shooter --  a 66-year-old man -- began to shoot outside the office of the Babcock Apartment complex in Westerly.

All the victims were female.

The woman who died was 47-years-old Julie Lynne Cardinal

The two women who were wounded were 66 and 38 years-old respectively.

No names are being released.

Lockdowns and No Info

Westerly Schools were looked down immediately after the shooting.

Students were released from school a little before 1 PM.

A Westerly High School student says the school did not immediately tell students about the shooting in the town after placing the building on lockdown.

The student, identified as William, talked with GoLocalProv News Editor Kate Nagle just minutes after being dismissed from school.

“We didn’t really get any information. They weren’t telling us for a while and then they finally told us. We were all basically relaxed in the gym and everything and that's when they told us to go right to lockdown,” said William.

He added, “I was kind of scared at first, but I thought it was just one of the practice drills because they told us this before. So at first, I thought it must be fine and everything, and that's when our teacher brought us to a different room because they said there was an active shooter in Westerly.”

Did Shooter Have Criminal Record?

According to Westerly Police, the 66-year-old shooter was known to the law enforcement officials.

Chief Shawn Lacey said at a press conference on Thursday afternoon that he did not know if the shooter had a criminal record.

Gun Used

Neither Westerly Police or RI State Police would identify the gun or if it was acquired legally by the shooter.

They did say only one gun was used. 

One of Rhode Island's Darkest Days

The shooting at the Westerly apartment complex was one of the worst days of violence in Rhode Island.

EHS reported in June of 2002, about an act of workplace violence:

Carlos Pacheco, 38, worked at The Providence Journal's production facility for 20 years. He walked into the building at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning and shot his supervisor, Robert Benetti. He then walked out to the parking lot, where he shot a coworker, Charles Johnson, in the face. Johnson was released from the hospital on Sunday.

Police later found what they believe to be Pacheco's body inside his burned-out car near the home of Matthew Fandetti, another of Pacheco's coworkers who police believe is a third victim.