The identities of the teacher and student who lost their lives in a school shooting in Wisconsin have been released.
On December 16, it is alleged that Natalie ‘Samantha’ Rupnow initiated a shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin.
This tragic event resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left six others injured, with two reportedly in critical condition.
Rupnow, aged 15, also died in the incident from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The authorities have yet to identify a clear motive, but they suggest it might involve a ‘combination of factors’.
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes mentioned in a press conference on Tuesday: “Identifying a motive is our top priority, but at this time it appears that the motive was a combination of factors.”
He further urged: “We are asking anyone who knew her or who may have insights into her feelings leading up to yesterday to please contact the Madison-area Crime Stoppers.”
As the investigation persists, the victims of the ordeal have been identified.
The tragedy claimed the life of 42-year-old teacher Erin Michelle West and ninth grader Rubi Patricia Vergara.
West’s students described her as ‘kind and caring’, noting that she ‘really loved her kids’, according to CNN.
Meanwhile, Vergara, aged 14, was passionate about art, singing, and playing the keyboard in her family worship band.
The young girl also had a love for animals and shared a special bond with her cat, Ginger, and dog, Coco.
While Rupnow is believed to have been responsible for the attack, a 20-year-old man in California has been apprehended in connection with Monday’s events.
Alexander Paffendorf, 20, was detained by the FBI, suspected of ‘plotting’ to collaborate in a mass shooting targeting government buildings with Rupnow, as reported by Mail Online.
A section of an emergency gun violence restraining order pertaining to Paffendorf’s arrest states: “During an FBI interview, Paffendorf admitted to the FBI agents that he told Rupnow that he would arm himself with explosives and a gun that he would target a government building.”
The FBI reportedly examined text messages exchanged between Paffendorf and Rupnow.
Paffendorf has been ordered to relinquish any firearms and ammunition and is forbidden from obtaining any more.
Though the exact number of weapons he possessed is unknown, witnesses observed FBI agents exiting his Carlsbad apartment with a black gun box.
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