WHITEWATER, WI - University of Wisconsin-Whitewater gymnast Kara Welsh, 21, was shot and killed in an off-campus apartment on Friday according to the Whitewater Police Department. Authorities have reportedly arrested a 23-year-old man, identified as Chad Richards, on charges of First-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety by the use of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct while armedin connection with her death.
As reported by The New York Post, Welsh, a national gymnastics titlist, was allegedly shot multiple times by the suspect about a block away from the campus. Police told reporters that they believe Welsh knew him, saying in a statement, “Also present in the apartment was a 23-year-old male who was known to the deceased female."
Further details, such as a motive, have not yet been released.
While investigators haven't determined the relationship between Welsh and Richards, they said, "Through investigation, it was determined that leading up to the shooting, an altercation had occurred between the two.” The investigation is ongoing, they added.
"Whitewater Police responded to an apartment in the 100 block of W. Whitewater Street, in the City of Whitewater, for a report of an individual who had suffered a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, officers found a deceased 21-year-old female who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds."
The department offered condolences to Welsh's family writing, "The Whitewater Police Department offers our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased." They also stated that the Wisconsin State Crime Lab, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, and the UW-Whitewater Police Department are assisting the investigation and offered their thanks.
UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey King released a school announcement stating, "We know the news of Kara’s death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community. It is a time when we are all called upon to support one another, to process, and to grieve." USA Gymnastics also offered condolences to Welsh's family.
Fueled by a lack of released information on the 23-year-old suspect, online speculation has abounded as to his relationship with the victim.
The Whitewater PD told the press, "Additional information will be released as it becomes available." The officials also asked for anyone with information relevant to this investigation to contact the Whitewater Police Department at 262-473-0555.
As reported by The New York Post, Welsh, a national gymnastics titlist, was allegedly shot multiple times by the suspect about a block away from the campus. Police told reporters that they believe Welsh knew him, saying in a statement, “Also present in the apartment was a 23-year-old male who was known to the deceased female."
Further details, such as a motive, have not yet been released.
While investigators haven't determined the relationship between Welsh and Richards, they said, "Through investigation, it was determined that leading up to the shooting, an altercation had occurred between the two.” The investigation is ongoing, they added.
"Whitewater Police responded to an apartment in the 100 block of W. Whitewater Street, in the City of Whitewater, for a report of an individual who had suffered a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, officers found a deceased 21-year-old female who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds."
The department offered condolences to Welsh's family writing, "The Whitewater Police Department offers our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased." They also stated that the Wisconsin State Crime Lab, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, and the UW-Whitewater Police Department are assisting the investigation and offered their thanks.
We offer our deepest condolences to Kara’s family, friends and teammates at @UWWGymnastics. pic.twitter.com/5XsUEway2n
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) September 1, 2024
UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey King released a school announcement stating, "We know the news of Kara’s death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community. It is a time when we are all called upon to support one another, to process, and to grieve." USA Gymnastics also offered condolences to Welsh's family.
Fueled by a lack of released information on the 23-year-old suspect, online speculation has abounded as to his relationship with the victim.
The Whitewater PD told the press, "Additional information will be released as it becomes available." The officials also asked for anyone with information relevant to this investigation to contact the Whitewater Police Department at 262-473-0555.
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