Authorities identified the victims of the deadly shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis., as Erin West, a 42-year-old teacher, and Rubi Vergara, a 14-year-old student.
In a press release on Wednesday night, the Dane County Medical Examiner’s office said West and Vergara were pronounced dead at the scene of Monday's shooting and that preliminary findings from their autopsies indicate that both died due to "homicidal firearm-related trauma."
The shooter, identified as 15-year-old Natalie "Samantha" Rupnow, was pronounced dead at a local hospital, the medical examiner's office said. Police said that it appears she died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Six others were injured in the shooting — two remained hospitalized Wednesday, police said, and four have been released. Their names have not been made public.
Erin West
West, of Deforest, Wis., was a full-time substitute coordinator at the school. She had worked as a substitute teacher for three years before taking that role.
“ALCS is a better school for the work of Erin West,” the school said in a statement. “She brought her love of Jesus and love of people to our staff and school family all wrapped in a hug and topped with a smile.”
“She served our teachers and students with grace, humor, wisdom, and — most importantly — with the love of Jesus,” it added. “Her loss is a painful and deep one and she will be greatly missed not just among our staff, but our entire ALCS family.”
Rubi Vergara
Vergara, of Madison, was a ninth grader who had attended the K-12 Christian school since kindergarten.
“Her gentle, loving, and kind heart was reflected in her smile. Rubi was a blessing to her class and our school. She was not only a good friend, but a great big sister,” the school said. “Often seen with a book in hand, she had a gift for art and music. Yet, it was Rubi’s love for Jesus that shined brightest and she shared His love with others by volunteering faithfully. She will be missed deeply by her teachers and fellow students.”
According to an obituary posted to a local funeral home's website, Vergara was "an avid reader, loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band."
“She shared a special bond with her beloved pets, Ginger (cat) and Coco (dog),” the obituary said.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday morning and will be livestreamed online.
The latest on the investigation
Police have yet to establish a motive for Monday’s shooting, which authorities said happened inside a study hall classroom full of students from mixed grades. Two firearms were recovered at the school, including a handgun that police said Rupnow used in the attack.
Investigators are combing through Rupnow's social media activity, her relationships with students at the school and her family to "learn about her behavior prior to Monday's shooting," the Madison Police Department said in a statement Wednesday.
“Our team is looking to connect to anyone who may have interacted with Natalie Rupnow in the days and weeks leading up to the shooting,” it added. “People can share information anonymously through Madison Area Crime Stoppers at p3tips.com or by calling 608-266-6014.”