14-Year-Old Girl, Teacher Identified as Victims in Wisconsin School Shooting

A private Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, became the scene of a devastating tragedy on Monday when a teenage student and a substitute teaching coordinator were killed in a shooting carried out by a 15-year-old student who then took her own life.

The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Rubi Vergara, a 14-year-old freshman, and Erin West, a 42-year-old substitute teaching coordinator.

According to authorities, the shooter, identified as Natalie Rupnow, opened fire on classmates and staff, leaving two other students critically injured and four others with minor injuries before fatally shooting herself.

Rubi Vergara, remembered as a vibrant and creative young girl, was described by her family as having a passion for reading, art, singing, and playing the keyboard in her family’s worship band. A local funeral site noted that she was “deeply cherished by her parents, brother, and extended family.”

Erin West was praised for her dedication and compassion in her role at the school. A seventh-grader who was present during the shooting described her as “kind and caring,” reflecting the deep affection her students held for her.

Barbara Wiers, the school’s communications director, expressed profound sorrow, stating, “Our hearts are heavy with these losses.”

Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes indicated that the motive behind Rupnow’s actions appeared to involve “a combination of factors.” Investigators are also looking into how Rupnow acquired the two handguns used in the attack.

In a related development, California police have issued a gun violence restraining order against a 20-year-old man who had been in contact with Rupnow. Court documents reveal the man was planning an attack on a government building and had shared his intentions with her.

In response to the tragedy, the Madison community has rallied together. Worshippers gathered at Blackhawk Church to pray for the victims and their families, with Pastor John Davis leading a service focused on unity and healing.

The incident underscores the persistent challenges surrounding gun violence and mental health in schools, prompting renewed calls for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies.