Erin Michelle West, 42, has been named as the teacher who was killed in the shooting at Madison’s Abundant Life Christian School
Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, 15, opened fire on Monday at Madison, Wisconsin’s Abundant Life Christian School, resulting in two fatalities and six injuries. Rupnow took two handguns to the location, according to the police, but she only used one of them during the outburst before turning the weapon on herself. The attack’s motivation is yet unknown.
Who is teacher Erin Michelle West who was killed by shooter Natalie ‘Samantha Rupnow’ in Madison, Wisconsin Abundant Life Christian School shooting
The 2 victims of the Madison, WI school shooting by a mentally ill feminist have been identified as Erin Michelle West and 14-year-old Rubi Patricia Vergara.
RIP 💔
Heartbreaking pic.twitter.com/dYAipN0tU7
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 19, 2024
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes acknowledged that Rupnow was in possession of two firearms, he would not say how she got them. Rupnow’s parents are assisting the investigation, having shared care of her. Authorities are looking into how the kid obtained the firearms, but no charges have been brought against them as of yet.
According to her student victim Erin Michelle West who resided in DeForest, Wisconsin, was “kind and caring.” Seventh grader Angel Brube, who witnessed the incident, told CNN that West was also a fantastic communicator.
West “really loved her kids,” according to Abundant Life junior Mackynzie Wilson, who saw the instructor just hours before the killing occurred.
“She was so excited to see her daughters grow up and what they were going to be and do with their lives,” Wilson told.
Who was Erin Michelle West?
According to reports from the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office, 42-year-old Erin Michelle West was the teacher who was slain when Wisconsin school shooter Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow opened fire at Madison’s Abundant Life Christian School.
Age 42 West was a staff member at Abundant Life Christian School who began her career there as a substitute teacher.
After serving as a substitute teacher for three years, she accepted a staff position as the school’s sub coordinator and in-building substitute teacher.
“ALCS is a better school for the work of Erin West,” the school said. “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.”
West was listed in the school’s staff directory as a replacement coordinator. West and Rubi Vergara, a 14-year-old freshman, perished together in the shooting carried out by student Natalie. The attack also injured a teacher and five other children. According to reports, two of the injured students are still in severe condition. After carrying out the shooting, Rupnow committed suicide.
The two victims of the Madison, Wisconsin Christian school shooting have been identified.
Teacher Erin Michelle West, 42.
She was described as “kind and caring” by one of the schools students.
14 year old school girl Rubi Patricia Vergara.
She was described as an “avid… pic.twitter.com/EX7NCkdOUS
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) December 19, 2024
The medical examiner’s office verified that West and Vergara both passed away from gunshot wounds. The Madison Police Department and the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating their deaths.