Madison, Wis. — The father of a teenage shooter who opened fire at a local school late last year has been charged with several felonies. Jeffrey Rupnow, 42, is facing charges for allegedly providing a dangerous weapon to a minor and contributing to delinquency.
Court records released recently reveal that Rupnow faces two felony counts of intentionally giving, selling, or loaning a firearm to someone under the age of 18, alongside one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
In December, Rupnow’s daughter, 15-year-old Natalie, who went by “Samantha,” was living with him when tragedy struck at Abundant Life Christian School. On December 16, she allegedly brought two handguns to the school, where she was a student. Reports indicate that she discharged one of the weapons during a mixed-grade study hall, ultimately killing herself after injuring multiple individuals.
The attack left two dead: Erin West, a 42-year-old teacher from DeForest, and 14-year-old Rubi Vergara, a freshman at the school. Six others sustained injuries in the shooting, which sent shockwaves throughout the community.
Madison police previously stated that they recovered two handguns in the aftermath, only one of which was reportedly used in the incident. Following the shooting, authorities conducted searches at both of Rupnow’s homes, as well as the residence of his ex-wife in Janesville. The couple has been divorced for some time.
In a concerning revelation, investigators discovered that Samantha had been corresponding with individuals about plans for mass attacks. Texts found in a separate case filed in Florida suggested she claimed to have access to firearms through her father. A manifesto located during a search of their home indicated she felt she had manipulated her father into acquiring the firearms.
Authorities in Palm Beach County recently filed court documents detailing communications between Samantha and 22-year-old Damien Blade Allen, who has been accused of plotting mass shootings. It appears the two were discussing their mutual interest in such attacks.
The investigation continues, raising questions about parental responsibility and the influence of troubling online interactions. As the community mourns the loss of its members, the legal proceedings against Jeffrey Rupnow highlight the complex issues surrounding access to firearms by minors.
A news conference is expected later today, where the Madison Police Department will provide additional updates regarding the shooting, as the tragedy continues to affect the local community profoundly.