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15-Year-Old Natalie 'Samantha' Rupnow Kills Two at Abundant Life Christian School; Six Injured

Dec 19, 2024, 03:24 AM

A 15-year-old female student, identified as Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow, opened fire in a study hall at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, December 16, 2024. The shooting resulted in the deaths of a teacher, 42-year-old Erin Michelle West, described as a kind and caring educator, and a 14-year-old student, Rubi Patricia Vergara, who was known for her love of art, singing, and playing the keyboard in her family's worship band. Six others were injured in the attack. The incident was reported to police by a second-grader. Rupnow, who was armed with two handguns but used only one, died after shooting herself. Authorities revealed that Rupnow had been in contact with a 20-year-old California man, Alexander Paffendorf, who was allegedly planning his own attack on a government building. A California judge has ordered Paffendorf to surrender his guns and ammunition.