An Illinois man is facing charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Kara Welsh, a national gymnastics champion, at an apartment near the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus.
Chad Richards, 23, is expected to be charged with first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety with a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed, following the incident that occurred Friday night. Police report that Richards and Welsh were acquainted, but the motive for the shooting remains unclear as the investigation is ongoing.
Welsh, a 21-year-old student from Plainfield, was killed in the altercation. Richards, from Love’s Park, Illinois, was apprehended at the scene.
In a news release, Whitewater police stated that the investigation is continuing and did not provide further details about the circumstances leading to the shooting.
Welsh was a standout member of the Warhawk gymnastics team, having claimed the individual national title on vault at the NCAA Division III championships last year. The university community is mourning her loss.
UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey King expressed the heartbreak felt by the close-knit community, emphasizing the need for support during this difficult time. The university is offering counseling services to the gymnastics team and staff, while also preparing to assist students as classes begin.
