Police arrest father of 15-year-old who killed 2 at Wisconsin religious school - AP News

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 5:17 pm

**Summary:**

In a tragic development, the father of a 15-year-old girl who committed a school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies. Jeffrey Rupnow, 42, is accused of contributing to the delinquency of a child and providing a dangerous weapon to a person under 18 resulting in death. The charges stem from the December 16, 2024, shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, where his daughter, Natalie Rupnow, fatally shot a teacher, a 14-year-old student, and then took her own life. Two other students were critically injured in the attack.

Police are investigating how Natalie Rupnow obtained the two guns used in the shooting. Authorities have not publicly disclosed a clear motive for the attack. Jeffrey Rupnow faces up to six years in prison for each felony charge. This case highlights a growing trend of parents facing legal consequences for their children's involvement in school shootings. The incident at Abundant Life Christian School, a nondenominational institution serving approximately 420 students from pre-kindergarten through high school, has deeply impacted the Madison community. The victims were identified as teacher Erin Michelle West, 42, and student Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14.

Keywords:

Wisconsin school shooting, Abundant Life Christian School, Madison, Jeffrey Rupnow, Natalie Rupnow, school shooting, felony charges, contributing to delinquency, providing dangerous weapon, Erin Michelle West, Rubi Patricia Vergara, school violence, gun violence, teenage shooter, Madison Wisconsin, school safety, criminal charges, parent charged, December 2024, Wisconsin news, school shooting news

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