In the quiet neighborhood where Robin Westman lived, few could have imagined the 28-year-old would become the focus of a deadly Catholic school attack that has shaken the entire community. Before the violence, residents say Westman appeared to be nothing more than a quiet, if slightly reclusive, tenant.
“I would see Robin walking a dog sometimes or grabbing groceries,” said neighbor Karen Fields. “Never caused any trouble. Just seemed like someone keeping to themselves.”
Westman, who rented a basement apartment in a modest duplex in the suburbs of St. Paul, Minnesota, was arrested last week after allegedly carrying out a targeted attack at St. Michael’s Catholic School, which left one staff member dead and two others injured. Authorities say Westman entered the building posing as a maintenance worker before opening fire in a premeditated act of violence.
Police have not released a full motive but confirmed that Westman had previously attended the school briefly as a teenager and may have held personal grievances linked to past experiences there. The suspect’s journals, found during a search of the residence, reportedly included references to bullying, religious trauma, and feelings of abandonment.
Longtime residents on the block say there were no obvious signs that Westman was preparing for something so horrific. “There were no loud noises, no weird visitors, no red flags,” said David Lee, who lives next door. “It’s terrifying to think someone could be planning something like that so close to home.”
Inside the apartment, investigators recovered firearms, ammunition, and handwritten plans that indicated the attack had been months in the making. Westman had no previous criminal record but had reportedly withdrawn from social life in recent years and had minimal contact with family.
Mental health is emerging as a possible factor in the case. Police said they are working with forensic psychologists to assess Westman’s state of mind before the attack.
Meanwhile, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath. A memorial has been set up outside St. Michael’s, where mourners have placed flowers, candles, and notes of condolence.
“It’s hard to reconcile the person we saw with what happened,” said Fields. “We keep asking ourselves—did we miss something?”
Westman remains in custody and is expected to face multiple charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week.