In south Minneapolis, the bedroom of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel remains a poignant tribute. It stands as a silent memorial for his parents, Jesse and Mollie, to remember their son who tragically lost his life when a gunman attacked Annunciation Catholic Church and School on August 27, 2025.
Fletcher’s room is untouched, preserving the essence of his life. It is a deeply personal monument to his character. Jesse explained, “He’s not with us the way we want him to be, but this is the best we have.” His wife Mollie added, “If the room’s not his, I feel like that memory — like I won’t feel it the same way.”
Over the years, many such bedrooms have been documented, including Fletcher’s. Photographer Lou Bopp and correspondent Steve Hartman visited eight of them for the Netflix documentary, “All the Empty Rooms,” which won an Academy Award last March. Their work is ongoing, as the issue of school shootings continues to affect families across America. These rooms offer a private sanctuary, allowing parents to choose whether to share their child’s preserved space.
Fletcher’s parents want people to understand the impact of such tragedies on families. Jesse expressed, “I want people to maybe have a tiny glimpse of, ‘What if that was me?'” Mollie emphasized the importance of others knowing Fletcher’s passions, “Like in the beginning it was bugs and animals.”
His bedroom brims with memories: shoes worn through after only three weeks, a beloved blanket, Legos, buffaloes, and Green Bay Packers memorabilia. Plants known as “Fletcher’s Garden” add life to the room, alongside his Cub Scout uniform.
Fletcher kept a journal. One playful entry captures a plan to steal cookies, proudly proclaiming, “This plan was successful.” Such moments keep his spirit alive for Jesse and Mollie, through cherished memories and reminders of their son.
They believe if more people could witness these rooms, there might be change. Mollie said, “They have to feel it.” Jesse concluded, “As a human, you have to say this can’t happen to anybody else.”
To explore more, visit the interactive feature shared by CBS News.