(TheProudRepublic.com) – In a new development in a criminal case that has attracted much public interest, Chad T. Richards, a 23-year-old former wrestler at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has been arrested and accused of the fatal shooting of 21-year-old gymnast Kara Welsh.
According to the Whitewater Police Department, Richards allegedly executed multiple gunshots at Welsh in an apartment closely situated to the university’s main campus at the end of last week.
The local police department has formally requested that the district attorney’s office charge Richards with first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety by employing a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed.
During his court appearance on Tuesday afternoon, a judge confirmed his bond at $1 million, highlighting Richards as a considerable flight risk, as reported by WTMJ-TV, cited by The New York Post.
It is believed by the police that Welsh and Richards were acquainted, though the specifics of their relationship remain uncertain. Richards was a sophomore wrestler at the college during the 2021-22 season, according to WCLO.
Responding to a call just before midnight, officers discovered Welsh deceased from multiple gunshot injuries. Richards was found at the scene upon their arrival.
The police issued a statement noting, “Through investigation, it was determined that, leading up to the shooting, an altercation had occurred between the two.”
The investigation is still underway.
Welsh, poised to begin her senior year, was an acclaimed member of the Warhawk gymnastics team at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a management major.
Last year, she clinched an individual national championship in the vault event.
The university’s chancellor, Corey King, communicated the tragic news to the campus community on Saturday.
“We know the news of Kara’s death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community,” King said, emphasizing the need for mutual support during this period of mourning.
The campus community has been left in a state of shock by Welsh’s untimely death.
“I can’t even imagine being a freshman coming in and this being your first introduction to life on campus,” said Olivia Roth, a fellow student.
Ryan Callahan, the UW-Whitewater Athletic Director, remembered Welsh as one of the gymnastic greats of the university.
In memory of Welsh and to support her family, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched.
The campaign description reads, “Kara was a daughter, sister, dear friend and teammate who grew up in Plainfield, Illinois,” highlighting her joyful influence and supportive nature.
Copyright 2024, TheProudRepublic.com
