Madison school shooting victims identified, California man possibly connected
The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the three people who died in the Abundant Life Christian School shooting in Madison on Monday, Dec. 16.
MADISON, Wis. – The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the three people who died in the Abundant Life Christian School shooting in Madison on Monday, Dec. 16.
The three fatalities include 42-year-old Erin M. West of Deforest, 14-year-old Rubi P. Vergara of Madison and 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” L. Rupnow of Madison.
West was a staff member at the school and Vergara was a freshman student. They were both pronounced deceased at the scene.
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Meanwhile, Rupnow has been identified as the suspected shooter. Officials say she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Forensic autopsies confirmed West and Vergara died from homicidal firearm-related trauma.
“It was not a teacher that I had particularly often, but they were always very, very kind,” 12th-grader Hannah Reuchlein said of West. “It’s unfortunate to have them gone.”
The Madison Police Department said six others were injured in the shooting. Police are continuing to investigate.
Freshman funeral service
Rubi Vergara (via Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care)
Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care said a funeral service for Vergara will be held at City Church, 4909 E. Buckeye Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. at the church.
A livestream will be available on the funeral home’s website.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: Follow the latest from FOX6 News on the Madison school shooting
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Abundant Life Christian School, c/o City Church. Online condolences can be made here.
Her obituary said Vergara was an avid reader, loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band.
How to help
If you wish to support the families, you can donate through a site set up by the United Way of Dane County. You can visit UnitedWayDaneCounty.org or you can text Help4ALCS to 40403.
