- Mary Grace worked at the school until 2021.
- James resided near the church.
- The family had no prior knowledge of the attack.
The Minneapolis tragedy at Annunciation Catholic Church has thrust the shooter’s family into the spotlight. Here’s what is known about James and Mary Grace Westman, the parents of Robin Westman, whose actions claimed two young lives and injured seventeen others.
Mary Grace Westman’s Role at Annunciation School
Mary Grace Westman served as a parish secretary at Annunciation Catholic School for five years before retiring in 2021. The church publicly acknowledged her dedication in a Facebook post:
“Church of the Annunciation Aug 16, 2021. On Sunday we honored Mary Grace Westman who is retiring from Annunciation. She has provided such wonderful hospitality, friendship and compassion to all who gathered for the last five years”
Reports indicate she was overwhelmed with grief after the incident, telling a reporter she did not know if her child was the shooter before ending the call.
James Westman’s Proximity to the Crime Scene
James Allen Westman, Robin’s father, owns a home less than a mile from the church. Public records confirm his residence in south Minneapolis, which law enforcement cordoned off for investigation following the shooting.
The divorced parents, who split in 2013 after 25 years of marriage, had no known involvement in the attack.
Family’s Response and Social Media Reactions
Robin’s uncle, former Kentucky lawmaker Bob Heleringer, expressed anguish over the tragedy:
“I wish he had shot me instead of innocent schoolchildren”
Social media posts allegedly showed James Westman supporting Robin’s name change at 17, though these remain unverified. Neither parent is under investigation.
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Last Updated on August 28, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
