Kara Welsh, a student and champion gymnast from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was on the floor in a fetal position when she was fatally shot on August 30. Authorities discovered the 21-year-old in a pool of blood in the apartment of her boyfriend, 23-year-old Chad Richards, just before midnight.
The medical examiner revealed Welsh suffered eight gunshot wounds to the neck, torso, and other areas. Richards, a former wrestler at UW-Whitewater, was charged with first-degree intentional homicide in Welsh’s death.
Richards claimed self-defense, stating an argument and struggle over his gun, which Welsh allegedly grabbed from a nightstand, led to the shooting. He reported wrestling the gun away and shooting Welsh out of fear for his life before placing the 911 call.
Welsh, majoring in management at UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics, was preparing to enter her senior year. In 2023, she earned an individual vault national title at the NCAA Division III championships.
Her family described her as a daughter, sister, dear friend, and teammate, noting her ability to bring joy and put smiles on people’s faces with her humour, support, and sweet disposition on a fundraising page.
Richards participated in the UW-Whitewater wrestling team during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons in his freshman and sophomore years, according to the school’s athletics site.
He faces additional charges of endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct. Richards is being held at Walworth County Jail on a $1 million bond.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Fox59 reports that authorities in Wisconsin have identified the suspect in the murder of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater gymnastics champion Kara Welsh, emphasising her achievements and the impact of her death on the university community. (read more)
- CBS News reports that Chad Richards, 23, has been charged with the fatal shooting of Kara Welsh, a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater gymnast, during a fight at an off-campus apartment. Richards is accused of first-degree intentional homicide and disorderly conduct while armed. (read more)
- ABC News reports that Chad Richards, a 23-year-old man, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the fatal shooting of gymnastics champion Kara Welsh, 21, in an altercation at his apartment near the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Kara Welsh?
Kara Welsh was a 21-year-old UW-Whitewater student and champion gymnast.
What happened to Kara Welsh?
Kara Welsh was found with eight gunshot wounds and died on August 30.
Who is charged with Kara Welsh’s murder?
Chad Richards, her boyfriend and a former UW-Whitewater wrestler, is charged.
What did Chad Richards claim about the incident?
Richards claimed he acted in self-defense after a struggle over his gun.
What charges is Chad Richards facing?
Richards faces first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety, and disorderly conduct.