Minneapolis Church Shooter’s Mother Retains Legal Counsel Amid Ongoing Investigation
Zoe Bennett is a seasoned journalist known for her incisive analysis and deep dives into complex criminal cases. With a background in forensic psychology and legal reporting, she brings clarity and context to high-profile tragedies.
The facts matter. Here’s what we know so far.
As the investigation into the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis intensifies, new developments have emerged regarding the mother of the alleged shooter, Robin Westman. According to reports from FOX News, Mary Grace Westman has retained the services of criminal defense attorney Ryan Garry amid intense media scrutiny and law enforcement inquiries.
Robin Westman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, is accused of carrying out a deadly attack on the school, killing two children—an 8-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl—and injuring more than a dozen others. The incident, which unfolded on a Wednesday morning, has left the community reeling and law enforcement scrambling for answers.
When questioned by FOX News, Garry clarified that his client is “completely distraught” but in no way complicit in the shooting. He emphasized that Westman is seeking legal counsel primarily to manage the overwhelming media attention and to protect her rights during the ongoing investigation.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that investigators have spoken with numerous friends and relatives of the shooter but have not yet interviewed the mother. O’Hara stated that efforts are ongoing to secure a formal interview with her. When asked about the shooter’s father, O’Hara declined to comment during a press briefing.
According to law enforcement sources, a handwritten manifesto was found at the scene, offering potential insight into the shooter’s mindset. The document reportedly contains racial and antisemitic slurs, drawings of firearms with provocative inscriptions—including “Kill Donald Trump” written on a cartridge—and a target drawn over an image of Jesus Christ. The writings also reference other mass shooters, including the perpetrator of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.
This case raises broader legal and ethical questions about parental accountability in school shootings. In recent years, courts have increasingly held parents criminally responsible for their children’s violent actions. In 2024, James and Jennifer Crumbley were convicted of involuntary manslaughter after their son Ethan fatally shot four students at Oxford High School in Michigan. The couple was sentenced to 10–15 years in prison. Similarly, in 2025, Georgia resident Colin Gray faced 29 charges for allegedly providing his son, Colt Gray, with access to a firearm used in a deadly attack at Apalachee High School.
While no formal charges have been filed against Mary Grace Westman or her husband, legal experts caution that the discovery of the manifesto and any evidence of prior knowledge or negligence could influence how the case unfolds. Garry’s involvement signals that the family is preparing for a potentially contentious legal process.
The tragedy has reignited national conversations about gun control, mental health screening, and the role of families in preventing such acts of violence. As authorities continue their investigation, all eyes remain on how the legal system will address the unprecedented circumstances surrounding this case.
Stay tuned for further developments.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and FOX News, TMZ, Minneapolis Police Department, FBI
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