Rubi Patricia Vergara,Erin Michelle West Obituary, Death; – Two individuals who lost their lives in a school shooting in Wisconsin on Monday were officially identified late Wednesday. An obituary released on Wednesday named one of the victims as Rubi Patricia Vergara, a 14-year-old freshman from Madison.
The Dane County medical examiner confirmed on Wednesday evening that the second victim was Erin Michelle West, aged 42. According to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, the condition of the six individuals injured in the incident remains unchanged. Two are reported to be in critical condition, while four others are recovering from injuries that are not life-threatening.
Barnes noted that state law prohibits the release of the names of those injured in the shooting. Determining the motive behind the actions of the student shooter, who claimed two lives in Madison, Wisconsin, is a primary focus for law enforcement, as stated on Tuesday. “Everyone was targeted in this situation and everyone was put in danger,” Barnes remarked.
Authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculating about the motive and to avoid spreading rumors online, emphasizing that they are currently examining evidence from devices used by the shooter and those retrieved from her residence.
On Monday night, police identified the shooter as Natalie Rupnow, who was known by the name Samantha. Evidence indicates that she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, although the official cause of death will be determined by the county medical examiner.
Barnes informed The Associated Press on Wednesday that the 15-year-old female student possessed two handguns but utilized only one during the incident. The source of the firearms remains unknown.
Law enforcement has indicated that the girl’s parents are cooperating with the investigation, but no decision has yet been made regarding potential charges against them in relation to the event.
