Father of 15-Year-Old Abundant Life Christian School Shooter Arrested on Felony Charges
TMJ4 News
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Madison, WI — Jeffrey Rupnow, 42, has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies in connection to the December 2024 shooting at Abundant Life Christian School, where his 15-year-old daughter, Natalie Rupnow, fatally shot a teacher and a fellow student before taking her own life.
The charges against Rupnow include two counts of intentionally providing a dangerous weapon to a person under 18, resulting in death, and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Investigators allege that Rupnow gave his daughter access to the firearms used in the attack—a 9mm Glock and a .22-caliber Sig Sauer pistol. One of the weapons was reportedly a gift, and the other was stored in a gun safe to which Natalie had access, as the code was her father’s Social Security number reversed.
Natalie Rupnow had a documented history of mental health struggles, including PTSD and suicidal ideation, exacerbated by her parents’ divorce. Despite these issues, her father attempted to bond with her through shooting activities and provided her with access to firearms. Investigators also discovered detailed plans and violent writings in her possession, indicating a premeditated attack.
The December 16, 2024, shooting resulted in the deaths of teacher Erin Michelle West and 14-year-old student Rubi Bergara, with six others injured. The incident has reignited discussions about parental responsibility and gun safety, particularly concerning minors with known mental health issues.
Jeffrey Rupnow’s arrest is part of a broader trend of holding parents legally accountable for their children’s involvement in school shootings, reflecting a growing emphasis on the responsibilities of gun owners to prevent access by minors.
AP News