Crime
Five Family Members Found Dead in West Valley City Home in Suspected Homicide
At this time, it remains unclear whether the 17-year-old boy is a suspect or a victim.
Tragedy struck a quiet West Valley City neighborhood on Tuesday when five family members, including three children, were found dead in their home in what police are investigating as a homicide.
The discovery was made at a residence on the 3700 block of Oxford Way in the afternoon, according to Roxeanne Vainuku, a spokeswoman for the West Valley City Police Department.
Concerns arose when a relative of the family attempted to contact a woman living in the home over several days but received no response.
On Monday night, officers conducted a welfare check at the residence but found no signs of an emergency or criminal activity.
The situation escalated when the woman failed to show up for work on Tuesday. Concerned, the relative entered the home through the garage, where she discovered a 17-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound.
Police were called to the scene around 2:10 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers found the injured teenager in the garage. He was promptly transported to a hospital and remains in critical condition with significant injuries.
Inside the home, officers made a grim discovery: the bodies of five family members.
The victims were identified as a 42-year-old man, a 38-year-old woman, an 11-year-old boy, a 9-year-old girl, and a 2-year-old girl.
Police confirmed that all six individuals lived in the home and were part of the same family. Investigators are working to determine the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
A search warrant has been obtained to further examine the property.
At this time, it remains unclear whether the 17-year-old boy is a suspect or a victim.
Police emphasized that the incident appears to be isolated and assured the public that there are no suspects at large.
The tragedy has left neighbors on the typically tranquil street in shock.
“This is just a total shock. I can’t believe this happened,” said Michael Webster, a neighbor who noted that nothing like this had ever occurred in their area before.
Another neighbor, Tristan Williams, expressed disbelief, saying, “You don’t really realize how real the world can be until it’s close to home.”
Neighbors also noted unusual activity in the days leading up to the discovery, including a family dog that had gone unfed.
As the investigation unfolds, police are focused on piecing together what happened inside the home and determining the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
The West Valley City community is reeling from the loss of an entire family and grappling with the unimaginable tragedy that has shaken their sense of safety and peace.
Crime
Victims killed in Madison Abundant Life Christian School shooting identified as Erin West and Rubi Vergara
Natalie “Samantha” L. Rupnow, 15, of Madison: The suspected shooter, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office has released the identities of the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison on Monday, December 16, 2024.
The victims have been identified as:
- Erin M. West, 42, of Deforest: A staff member at the school.
- Rubi P. Vergara, 14, of Madison: A freshman student.
- Natalie “Samantha” L. Rupnow, 15, of Madison: The suspected shooter, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to the medical examiner, Erin West and Rubi Vergara were pronounced deceased at the scene. Forensic autopsies confirmed that both victims died from homicidal firearm-related trauma.
Natalie Rupnow, identified as the shooter, succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Madison Police Department reported that six additional individuals sustained injuries during the incident. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing.
The community is reeling from the tragedy, and arrangements are underway to honor the victims. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care has announced funeral services for Rubi Vergara.
- Funeral Service:
- Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024
- Time: 11 a.m.
- Location: City Church, 4909 E. Buckeye Road, Madison, WI
- Burial: Roselawn Memorial Park, following the service
- Visitation: Begins at 9 a.m. at the church
The Madison Police Department continues to work tirelessly to investigate this devastating incident, offering their support to the grieving families and the wider school community.