MADISON, Wis. — The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims in Monday’s school shooting at Abundant Life Christian School.
The student who was killed was 14-year-old Rubi Patricia Vergara. The teacher who was killed was 42-year-old Erin Michelle West.
On Monday, Dec. 16, a 15-year-old female student killed another teenage student and a teacher at the private Madison school, police said. The shooter also died. Another six people were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from “minor” to “life-threatening,” according to police.
The medical examiner said they were both pronounced dead at the scene and died of “homicidal firearm related trauma.”
The six injured victims have not been identified.
Rubi Patricia Vergara
According to an obituary, Vergara died on Monday, Dec. 16. She was a freshman at Abundant Life Christian School and lived in Madison.
According to the obituary, Vergara was “an avid reader, loved art, singing and playing keyboard in the family worship band.”
The school's communication director, Barbara Wiers, said in a statement Wednesday evening that Vergara had attended the school since kindergarten.
The school described her as gentle and loving.
“Rubi was a blessing to her class and our school,” the school said. “She was not only a good friend, but a great big sister. Often seen with a book in hand, she had a gift for art and music.”
Vergara was born on March 17, 2010 in Madison and had one brother. She had a cat, Ginger, and dog, Coco.
Her funeral service will be livestreamed at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, here. It will be held at City Church at 4909 E. Buckeye Road in Madison. A visitation is scheduled for the same day at 9 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, her family asked that donations be made in her honor to Abundant Life Christian School.
Erin Michelle West
West lived in Deforest. According to her obituary, she worked at the school for four years. The school said she worked there as a substitute teacher for three years. She then took on a full-time staff position as a sub coordinator and in-building substitute teacher.
“ALCS is a better school for the work of Erin West,” the school said in a statement.
She married Jack West on May 21, 2005 in Powder Springs, Ga. They had three daughters.
According to her obituary, West loved to go on family camping trips, serve at Doxa Church — where she was a member — spend time with her children, enjoy family time and attend school sporting events.
“She served our teachers and students with grace, humor, wisdom, and — most importantly — with the love of Jesus,” the school said. “Her loss is a painful and deep one and she will be greatly missed not just among our staff, but our entire ALCS family.”
West was born on Sept. 10, 1982 in St. Charles, Mo. West graduated from Harrison High School in 2000 and Kennesaw State University in 2005.
Her funeral service will be on Dec. 23 at noon at Doxa Church at 2700 Novation Parkway in Madison. A visitation is scheduled for the same day at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, her family asked that donations be made in her honor to Doxa Forward Campaign.
Madison Police have shared a facts and questions page regarding the shooting. You can find that, here.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
Correction: The medical examiner incorrectly wrote Erin Michelle West's name. This has been corrected. (Dec. 19, 2024)