Crime
Remembering the Victims of the Abundant Life Christian School Shooting
Remembering the Victims of the Abundant Life Christian School Shooting
MADISON, Wis. – The Abundant Life Christian School community continues to mourn the tragic loss of two lives following the devastating shooting on Monday morning. Ninth grader Rubi Patricia Vergara and teacher Erin Michelle West were killed in the attack, the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Wednesday.
Six others were injured, with two remaining hospitalized as of Wednesday. The remaining four have been discharged. Their identities have not been publicly disclosed.
Honoring Erin Michelle West
Erin Michelle West, 42, was a beloved teacher who lived in DeForest, Wisconsin. Known for her kindness and dedication, West worked as a substitute teacher for three years before becoming the school’s substitute coordinator.
Students and colleagues fondly remembered West’s caring nature. Angel Brube, a seventh grader who was present during the shooting, described her as “kind and caring” with a talent for communication.
Sophomore Mackynzie Wilson shared similar sentiments, recalling her teacher’s love for her family and students. “She was so excited to see her daughters grow up and what they were going to be and do with their lives,” Wilson said.
West’s warmth extended to everyone at the school. “She would have done anything for them,” Wilson added. “I just wish I could’ve gone back and given her a hug.”
Remembering Rubi Patricia Vergara
Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14, was a freshman with a bright artistic future. Her obituary described her as an “avid reader” who loved art, singing, and playing the keyboard in her family’s worship band.
Vergara’s love for animals was unmatched, as she shared a deep bond with her pets, Ginger the cat and Coco the dog.
Her funeral service is scheduled for Saturday in Madison, with burial to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
A Community United in Grief
The loss of these two cherished lives has left a lasting impact on the Abundant Life Christian School community. As the survivors heal and families cope with the tragedy, the memories of Erin Michelle West and Rubi Patricia Vergara remain a source of inspiration and love.
Tags: Madison Shooting, Abundant Life Christian School, Erin Michelle West, Rubi Patricia Vergara, Community Grief
Crime
Two Dead, Two Injured in Marion Shooting; Authorities Identify One Victim as 16-Year-Old Kaiden Allen
MARION, S.C. — Two individuals were killed and two others wounded in a shooting that occurred Thursday night in Marion, prompting a large multi-agency response, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to the scene on Tubello Court following reports of gunfire at approximately 7:21 p.m.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. As of 9:00 p.m., two of the victims were confirmed deceased.
One of the deceased has been identified as 16-year-old Kaiden Allen.
The crime scene remained active late into the night, with updates confirming that it was still being processed as of 10:22 p.m.
A coordinated response involved personnel from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, its K-9 Unit, the Marion and Mullins Police Departments, federal law enforcement agencies, and agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Authorities have not yet released the identities or conditions of the two surviving victims.
Investigators have also not commented on a potential motive or whether any suspects have been identified or taken into custody.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward by calling 843-423-8399. The investigation remains ongoing.