Authorities have identified the victims of a fatal shooting earlier this week at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office announced Wednesday that 42-year-old Erin West and 14-year-old Rubi Vergara were killed on Monday morning.
Preliminary examinations determined both victims died from “homicidal firearm-related trauma” and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Vergara, a freshman at the school, was remembered in an obituary as “an avid reader” with a passion for art, singing, and playing the keyboard in her family’s worship band. She is survived by her parents, a brother, and a large extended family. The exact role West held at the school remains unclear.
The suspected shooter, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, a fellow student, also died from “firearm-related trauma,” according to the medical examiner. Madison Police Chief Shon F. Barnes stated that Rupnow was pronounced dead at the hospital after what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The incident occurred in a classroom during a study hall session involving students from various grades. A 9 mm handgun was recovered at the scene, though details about its origin and the number of shots fired remain under investigation.
In addition to the fatalities, six others were injured in the shooting, which was reported just before 11 a.m. Monday.