Wisconsin Victim’s Family Holds ‘No Bitterness’ to Teen Shooter Natalie Rupnow
The family of the 14-year-old teen girl killed in the Wisconsin school shooting has revealed that they have forgiven the female classmate who carried out the bloodbath.
Rubi Vergara’s family insisted that they harbor no ill will against 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow for opening fire at Madison, Wisconsin’s Abundant Life Christian School before turning the gun on herself Monday.
“We hold no bitterness or unforgiveness toward 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow,” Andrew Remus, Vegara’s uncle, at services for the slain teen Saturday, news station WTMJ reported. “They lost a daughter too.”
Remus encouraged the crowds of mourners to pay tribute to Vergara by laughing at good memories.
“If something is funny about a memory that is said about Rubi, laugh and if you need to clap in confirmation, clap. If this is truly a celebration of life, then let’s do it,” he said, according to the outlet.
Others shared their memories with Vergara at the service.
“She was a quiet, gentle spirit who cared deeply for others,” Tom Flaherty, City Church’s lead pastor said, according to The Independent. “But Rubi also had a faith beyond her years.”
Police are still looking for a motive in the shooting.
In addition to Vergara, the shooting killed Erin West, a 42-year-old teacher. Six others were injured, with two students remaining hospitalized as of Friday, according to a hospital spokesperson. The other four had minor injuries and were discharged earlier in the week.
Alexander Paffendorf, a 20-year-old from California, was allegedly in contact with Rupnow online and plotting a separate mass shooting with her, according to CNN. A judge issued a restraining order against him, requiring him to turn over his guns and ammunitions to police within 48 hours or earlier if ordered.
