Official police reports or press releases from the Madison Police Department

Natalie Rupnow Kills Teacher Erin West and Student Rubi Vergara in Wisconsin School Shooting, 6 Injured

Dec 19, 2024, 11:24 AM

A 15-year-old girl, Natalie Rupnow, who also went by Samantha, carried out a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, resulting in the deaths of a teacher, Erin Michelle West, and a student, Rubi Patricia Vergara. Six others were injured in the incident. Rupnow subsequently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The shooting has prompted a community-wide response, with vigils held to mourn the victims. Police are investigating Rupnow's background, including her turbulent home life marked by multiple parental divorces and her attendance at therapy sessions. Authorities are also looking into the origin of the gun used in the attack. Additionally, a 20-year-old man from Carlsbad, California, Alexander Paffendorf, was detained by the FBI after allegedly communicating with Rupnow about coordinating a separate mass shooting at a government building. Paffendorf admitted to planning an attack involving explosives and a gun, leading to a gun violence restraining order being issued against him.