Troubling Signs of Self-Harm in Shooter's Past
Introduction
Robin Westman, the shooter at Annunciation Catholic Church, displayed signs of self-harm while attending prep school according to a former teacher. The art teacher, who had Westman in her class in 2017, said she noticed the self-harm behaviors in her then-student, providing a glimpse into the troubled past of the shooter.
Key Details
The teacher described how Westman would often come to class with cuts on her arms and wrists. She also recalled a time when Westman broke down in tears during a class project, revealing scars on her legs. The teacher tried to reach out to Westman, but the student seemed to withdraw and become more distant.
In recent years, there has been an increase in awareness and education on self-harm and its warning signs. However, it is still a difficult topic to discuss, and many individuals may not understand the severity of the issue or know how to properly address it.
Impact
This revelation from the former teacher highlights the importance of mental health resources and support for students, especially in the school setting. It is crucial for educators to be aware of the signs of self-harm and to have the resources and training to address it properly. This incident also sheds light on the need for more open and compassionate conversations about mental health, and how it can impact individuals of all ages.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Annunciation Catholic Church
The **Annunciation Catholic Church** in Houston, Texas, is the city's oldest church in continuous use, founded in 1867 by Bishop Claude M. Dubuis shortly after the American Civil War. It holds a foundational place in Houston’s Catholic heritage, having spawned over 50 parishes within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, marking it as a "mother church" of the region[1]. The church's origins are notable for their resourcefulness: French missionary priest Fr. Joseph Querat raised funds and repurposed bricks from the old Harris County Courthouse to build its foundation, demonstrating early community-driven efforts and resilience[1]. The church was formally established on April 25, 1869, with a solemn procession and the laying of its cornerstone. Fr. Querat, its first pastor, was a canon from Lyons, France, and a missionary dedicated to Texas since 1852, linking the church to a rich tradition of transatlantic Catholic missionary work[1]. Today, the Church of the Annunciation stands not only as a place of worship but as a historically significant institution in Houston’s urban and religious landscape. It exemplifies continuity and growth in the Catholic community over more than 150 years, reflecting both spiritual dedication and community development. Notably, the church's name and mission are tied to the Christian event called the Annunciation—the angel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary of Jesus’ forthcoming birth—which is a key theological moment celebrated globally on March 25. This feast day symbolizes the Incarnation and is central to Christian belief, arts, and liturgy[2][3][4]. In the context of business and technology, the church's long-standing presence and adaptive reuse of resources highlight themes of sustainability, community-driven project management, and historical preservation. Its role in spawning numerous parishes also illustrates organizational growth and network expansion within a religious institution, relevant to understanding how legacy organizations evolve and influence broader communities. Thus, An