Father charged after daughter kills two at Wisconsin school
- Natalie Rupnow, 15, carried out a school shooting in December 2024, killing a teacher and a fellow student before committing suicide.
- Her father, Jeffrey Rupnow, was charged with felony counts related to the incident after investigators determined he allowed her access to the guns used.
- The case highlights growing concerns about parental accountability in cases of school shootings and youth gun violence.
In December 2024, a tragic school shooting occurred at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, where 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow killed two individuals—a teacher and a fellow student—before taking her own life. The incident also left two other students critically injured. Following this devastating act, her father, Jeffrey Rupnow, was arrested and faced felony charges for allegedly allowing his daughter access to the semiautomatic pistols used in the shooting. Investigators found that Natalie had shown signs of distress due to her parents' divorce, and her actions were reportedly premeditated, as she developed a gruesome plan that included mapping out the school and timing her attack meticulously. Natalie had previously admired school shooters and had communicated her obsessions online. Reports suggested that Jeffrey Rupnow attempted to bond with his daughter through firearms, which ultimately contributed to the catastrophic incident. Authorities have charged him with several felonies, including providing a dangerous weapon to a minor, and he could face up to 18 years in prison if convicted. The shooting has sparked a renewed conversation about parental responsibility in cases of youth gun violence, with Jeffrey Rupnow's case drawing parallels to other instances in which parents have been held accountable for their children's actions involving firearms. As the investigation continues, society reflects on the factors that lead to such tragedies and the importance of safeguarding youth from similar outcomes.