3 arrests in Andover hit-and-run murder: 'Nobody wins in this situation'

ANDOVER, Minn. (KMSP) - A third arrest has been made in the death of 17-year-old Tristan Robinson of Nowthen, who was killed in a hit-and-run in Andover Friday.  

Robinson’s family members are still grieving his sudden loss as well as the pain for all the other families impacted by the case.

“My nephew has been cut out of the prime of his life and all of the opportunities he'll never get back,” said Kari Lund, Robinson’s aunt.

Family members say Robinson loved his five siblings, his godmother Kristi Nardiello and aunt Kari Lund. He especially adored his baby sister Lily and his mom Angel.

“He was always there for her,” said Lund. “He was so devoted to his mom.”

Robinson, a junior in high school, died in front of a friend's home. Officials with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office say the suspects allegedly had a scheme to rob  a bag of weed from Robinson.

“I'm not going to judge what was going on there, he was human being, we make mistakes,” said Nardiello.

Police believe 19-year-old Loren Gafner struck Robinson with the Mercury Montego he drove to attempt the robbery and left Robinson for dead. 

“They're all children and they've done these things that they can never take back and his friends has witnessed something they will never unsee,” said Nardiello.

Two juveniles connected to the scheme were already in custody when Gafner was arrested Monday morning in Isanti County. Police later found the car he was driving.

“Nobody wins in this situation, I don't care that we caught three people, I don't care that we have a car, no one's winning,” said Kristi.

Robinson's funeral is set for Thursday at Washburn and McReavy in Coon Rapids. From there a long procession will be held to Stockholm, Wisconsin where he will be laid to rest. Anyone interested in sending flowers or donations is asked to send them to the funeral home.