Robin Westman Biography – Age, Family, Early Life, Education & More

Robin Westman, born Robert Paul Westman, was a 23-year-old from Richfield, Minnesota, who came into national focus after the August 27, 2025 Annunciation Catholic School and Church shooting in Minneapolis. The incident, which left two children dead and several others injured, ended with Robin’s death by suicide. Investigators later described the case as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime, leading to wide debates about mental health, gun safety, and gender identity in America.

Robin Westman Wiki/Bio

AttributeDetails
Full NameRobin M. Westman (born Robert Paul Westman)
Date of BirthJune 17, 2002
Age23 years (at time of death in 2025)
ProfessionBriefly worked at medical cannabis dispensary (2025)
HometownRichfield, Minnesota, USA
Last ResidenceRichfield, Minnesota, USA
ReligionRaised Catholic
NationalityAmerican
Zodiac SignGemini

Robin Westman Early Life

Robin Westman was born on June 17, 2002, in Hastings, Minnesota, and later raised in Richfield. Robin was the youngest of three children in a Catholic household. Parents Mary Grace and James Allen Westman divorced in 2013, which had a lasting impact on family life.

Robin attended Annunciation Catholic School, finishing eighth grade in 2017. Former classmates remembered Robin as quiet but sometimes showing troubling behavior, including unusual writings and comments.

In 2019, Robin’s mother petitioned for a legal name change, recognizing Robin’s wish to identify as female. The court approved the request in 2020. Personal writings later revealed gender-related struggles and ongoing mental health concerns, including depression and suicidal thoughts from teenage years.

Robin Westman Education

Robin’s education history reflected both academic ability and personal struggles. After Annunciation, Robin briefly attended Powell Leadership Academy in 2017, then moved to St. Thomas Academy, a Catholic military-style boys’ school, completing freshman year in 2018.

By 2021, Robin graduated from Southwest High School in Minneapolis. During this time, a suspension for disturbing conversations about school shootings reportedly fueled an unhealthy fascination with violence. There is no record of college enrollment or higher studies.

Robin Westman Family

The Westman family was deeply rooted in Catholic tradition.

  • Mother – Mary Grace Westman: Worked as a parish secretary at Annunciation Catholic School until 2021, active in church life.
  • Father – James Allen Westman: Lived in south Minneapolis, described by neighbors as friendly and hands-on with family.
  • Siblings: Robin had two older siblings, though their names remain private.
  • Extended Family: Uncle Bob Heleringer, a former Kentucky lawmaker, and several aunts were part of a larger Catholic family background.
Robin Westman with mom
Robin Westman with mom

Controversies

The Annunciation Catholic School shooting is the central controversy linked to Robin Westman. Journals and online posts revealed disturbing admiration for past mass shooters and antisemitic, hateful ideologies. The weapons used carried names and messages tied to violence, fueling investigations into motive and ideology.

Robin’s transgender identity drew political debate, with some framing it negatively, while Minneapolis leaders urged focusing on victims rather than stigmatizing communities. Mental health red flags—such as earlier suicidal writings and a 2018 welfare check—raised questions about missed chances for intervention.

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