The tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School resulted in the deaths of two people after a teenage student opened fire in a study hall classroom earlier this week. Details about the victims, a 42-year-old teacher and a 14-year-old student, have been released.
During a press release on December 18, the medical examiner’s office confirmed that the incident in Madison, Wisconsin, claimed the lives of 14-year-old Rubi Patricia Vergara and 42-year-old Erin Michelle West.
Preliminary autopsy results revealed that both victims were pronounced dead at the scene from “homicidal firearm related trauma.” In her obituary, Vergara, a freshman at the school, was remembered as an “avid reader, loved art, singing, and playing keyboard in the family worship band.”
Crime scene tape surrounds Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin on December 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The obituary also highlighted, “She shared a special bond with her beloved pets, Ginger (cat) and Coco (dog).” In addition to being a student, the school staff directory listed her as a substitute coordinator.
The ninth-grader, born on March 17, 2010, had attended the school since kindergarten and was described as a keen volunteer and popular.
People attending a vigil at the state capitol building to mourn the victims of the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on December 17, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The late student is survived by her brother, parents, and a large extended family. One of her survivors, her uncle, Andrew Remus, expressed his grief in a Facebook post, thanking those who had sent messages and prayers.
A memorial created outside Abundant Life Christian School on December 17, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Remus also expressed gratitude to the Madison community for their kindness towards their family. He ended his post with a Bible verse, writing, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
ALCS honored West by stating, “ALCS is a better school for the work of Erin West. She brought her love of Jesus and love of people to our staff and school family all wrapped in a hug and topped with a smile.”
The school added, “She served our teachers and students with grace, humor, wisdom, and — most importantly — with the love of Jesus. Her loss is a painful and deep one, and she will be greatly missed not just among our staff but our entire ALCS family.”
Angel Brube, a seventh-grader present during the shooting, recalled West as “kind and caring.” West is survived by her husband, three daughters, parents, sister, and other relatives.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes shared updates on the case, stating that as of two days after the incident, there was no evidence to suggest the shooter, Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, targeted anyone specifically.
It remains unclear whether Rupnow was assigned to the study hall during the incident. She injured six others before turning the gun on herself after opening fire in the second-floor classroom.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes addressing the media about the shooting in Madison, Wisconsin on December 16, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The medical examiner’s report confirmed that Rupnow later died at a Madison hospital. Of the six injured victims, two remained in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. A teacher and three students were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and two were discharged as of Monday evening.
Reports indicate that the shooter communicated with Alexander Paffendorf, a 20-year-old man from Carlsbad, California. FBI agents swiftly issued a civil gun violence restraining order against Paffendorf, allowing them to seize his weapons.
Documents revealed that Paffendorf confessed during an FBI interview to proposing an attack involving firearms and explosives. Messages exchanged between him and Natalie Rupnow are now key pieces of evidence in the ongoing investigation.
