Jesse Merkel recalls his slain son, Fletcher, in the Minneapolis shooting tragedy

Tragedy Strikes Annunciation Church and Catholic School

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the Annunciation Church and Catholic School community is reeling from the loss of two young lives. Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and ten-year-old Harper Lillian Moyski were tragically killed during a Mass to celebrate the first week of school.

Fletcher Merkel, a third-grader, was known for his love of family, friends, fishing, cooking, and any sport he was allowed to play. His father, Jesse Merkle, has expressed his deep sorrow, stating that he and his family will never be allowed to hold, talk to, play with, or watch Fletcher grow due to his untimely death. In a public statement, Jesse Merkle made it clear that this would be his only statement, asking people to remember his son for who he was, rather than how he died.

Harper Lillian Moyski, starting fifth grade, was remembered by her friends, including Michael Burt's daughter, for her kindness and goofiness. Michael Burt wants to help his daughter keep Harper's memory alive. The two children, Fletcher and Harper, had many shared memories and friendships that will now serve as a poignant reminder of the lives lost.

The perpetrator of the shooting, Robin Westman, had no criminal history and no other incidents that would have put them on law enforcement's radar. Westman, who attended Annunciation Church and Catholic School, was previously employed by the Catholic Diocese. However, there's no evidence that the shooter was radicalized, but did have a fascination with mass violence.

Police have not identified a specific grievance against the church or school. Surveillance video shows that the shooter did not enter the building during the incident. Robin Westman's mother was formerly employed at the school, adding a personal dimension to the tragedy.

As the community grapples with this loss, both families have asked that people remember their children for who they were, not how they died. Fletcher Merkel had an entire life in front of him, and Harper Lillian Moyski was just starting her journey through fifth grade. Their lives were cut short, but their memories will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.

Jesse Merkel recalls his slain son, Fletcher, in the Minneapolis shooting tragedy