An all-American gymnast from Wisconsin was shot and killed just before the start of classes, with the suspect now in custody.
23-year-old Chad T. Richards was arrested after Kara Welsh was discovered dead in her apartment.
On Tuesday, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus flew flags at half-staff in memory of Kara Welsh, a senior gymnast who was fatally shot in her apartment on Friday evening.
According to a statement from the university, Welsh, 21, was a national champion and two-time All-American. However, she was later found by police with multiple gunshot wounds, as stated in a news release by the Whitewater Police Department. Additionally, Chad T. Richards, 23, of Loves Park, Illinois, who was also found in the apartment, has been arrested.
"Coach Jen Regan stated on the UW-Whitewater athletics website that expressing the impact Kara had on the Warhawk community through words is impossible. Kara was a strong athlete and a devoted teammate who brightened everyone's days. Her passing has left a void in our hearts, but her legacy will endure through Warhawk gymnastics forever."
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the nature of their relationship, but it is known that Welsh and Richards were acquainted and that an investigation found that an argument had taken place between them.
The Walworth County District Attorney's Office has received charges of first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety by the use of a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed against Richards. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, according to police.
A native of Plainfield, Illinois, Welsch was enrolled in business management classes that commenced on Tuesday for the fall semester.
The school athletics website described Welsh as a "standout on the vault," highlighting that she has four of the top eight scores recorded by a Warhawk gymnast in program history.
By Tuesday morning, the Welsh family, promoted by the school athletics department, had garnered over $34,000 through their GoFundMe campaign.
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