Two of the victims in the school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, Dec. 16, have been identified as staff member Erin M. West, 42, and student Rubi P. Vergara, 14, authorities said.
The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office released the names of the two victims who died in the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School.
“Our hearts are heavy with these losses,” the school said in a statement to NBC News on Wednesday. “It is our honor to recognize Erin West and Rubi Vergara.”
The suspected shooter, identified as 15-year-old student Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow, also died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound while being transported to an area hospital, officials said.
Officers responded to the K-12 school at 10:57 a.m. when a second grade teacher called 911 to report an active shooter, police said, and multiple people were found with gunshot wounds.
Six people were injured in the shooting, police said. Two people who sustained life-threatening injuries remained in the hospital as of Wednesday evening, and four others had been discharged, police said.
The shooting occurred in a classroom “during a study hall for mixed grades,” police said. Investigators recovered two guns from the school, but only one was used in the shooting, police said.
A motive for the shooting is unclear, but police said they were aware of documents and photos “circulating around the internet,” though investigators have not yet verified them.
A 20-year-old man in California was detained by the FBI after he had allegedly communicated with Rupnow, according to a gun violence emergency protective order obtained by NBC San Diego.
It is unclear if the man, identified as Alexander Paffendorf, is facing any criminal charges at this time.
Here’s what we know about the staff member and 14-year-old student who died in the shooting.
Erin M. West
West was a staff member at Abundant Life Christian School who began her career there as a substitute teacher, the school said in the statement.
“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.”
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, the school said, describing the role as “tailor made for her abundant skills and breadth of knowledge.”
“She served our teachers and students with grace, humor, wisdom, and — most importantly — with the love of Jesus,” the school said. “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 P. Vergara
Rubi was a ninth grader at Abundant Life Christian School and had attended the school since kindergarten, according to the statement.
“Her gentle, loving, and kind heart was reflected in her smile. Rubi was a blessing to her class and our school,” the school said. “She was not only a good friend, but a great big sister.”
“Often seen with a book in hand, she had a gift for art and music,” the statement continued. “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.”
Rubi was described as an avid reader who loved art, singing and playing keyboard in her family worship band, according to her online obituary. She also shared a special bond with her beloved pets, a cat named Ginger and a dog named Coco, the obituary said.
