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According to court records, the custody agreement of Natalie Rupnow’s parents was modified in 2022. Natalie, who was identified by the police as the shooter at a school in Madison, is 15 years old.
Rupnow’s primary caregiver was her mother after her parents’ divorce in 2014. However, in 2022, her father became the primary caregiver for Rupnow.
Why It Matters
Two individuals, a teacher and a student, tragically lost their lives in a shooting incident at Abundant Life Christian School. Regrettably, Rupnow succumbed to their injuries while being transported to a hospital. Additionally, six others sustained injuries during the incident.
According to officials, the investigation is being aided by the cooperation of her family, who are also allowing authorities to search her home.
What To Know
Natalie’s parents, Mellissa Rupnow and Jeffrey Rupnow, went through a divorce in 2014. In a court document signed by both parents in March of that year, it was agreed that they would have joint legal custody of Natalie. However, her mother would be her primary physical caregiver.
In 2017, Mellissa and Jeffrey tied the knot again, as stated in an order of support. The court document requests that child support be set to zero and that the custody of Natalie be adjusted to equal shared placement.
In 2021, the couple decided to file for a second divorce. During this time, they both reached an agreement for shared placement of their daughter, Natalie.
In July 2022, Jeffrey was awarded primary placement of Natalie through a mediated agreement. Both parents have expressed their shared objective of striving for equal placement.
In an alleged manifesto circulating on social media, Natalie mentioned her parents’ divorce. She described her relationship with her parents as “extremely difficult” and referred to them as “scum.”
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes acknowledged the existence of the document but stated that its authenticity has not yet been verified.
At 10:57 a.m., the police were called to Abundant Life Christian School in response to a 911 call made by a second-grader.
According to police reports, Rupnow’s death has been determined to be a result of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The official cause of death will be disclosed once the medical examiner’s office completes its investigation.
What People Are Saying
On X, President Joe Biden expressed his condolences to the families in Madison, Wisconsin who are mourning the tragic loss of individuals who were killed and injured at Abundant Life Christian School. The President described the incident as shocking and unconscionable, emphasizing the urgency for Congress to take immediate action.
During a press conference, Madison Police Chief Barnes expressed his sentiments, stating, “Every individual within that establishment is a victim, and their status as such will endure indefinitely.”
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers expressed his deep sorrow and devastation following the tragic school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison this morning. In a statement, he shared that there are no words to adequately describe the immense pain and heartbreak felt by the community.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway emphasized the importance of mental health support during a press conference on Monday. She urged anyone who may be struggling with their mental health as a result of the incident and its media coverage to reach out for assistance. Mayor Rhodes-Conway encouraged individuals to contact 988, either by phone or text, to access the necessary mental health support they require.
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