Madison school shooter's motive a top priority as investigation continues, victims still not identified
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Tragedy hit the city of Madison, creating a frantic search for answers after a 15-year-old girl walked into Abundant Life Christian School on Monday, Dec. 16, opened fire on a teacher, her classmates and then killed herself.
The incident happened just before 11 a.m. Monday. Police identified the shooter as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who also went by Samantha.
Police say Rupnow shot herself at the scene and died in an ambulance on the way to a Madison hospital.
A handgun was recovered from the scene and police are working to find out how it was obtained.
"We are certainly speaking and talking with the parents who are cooperating to determine if they are gun owners and they had guns," said Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes.
Police haven't yet identified victims, just that another student and teacher are dead.
Six other students and a teacher were injured, two students with life-threatening injuries.
In an update on Tuesday, Dec. 17, Chief Barnes said identifying a motive is their top priority. Officials are investigating Rupnow's online activity and asking anyone who may have information or insights on her feelings to contact Crime Stoppers at 606-266-6014 or use the P3 Tips app.
There is currently a document spreading on social media that some are claiming is a manifesto of sorts written by the shooter but that has not been confirmed. Chief Barnes said they are aware of the document and they are looking into it, but right now they cannot confirm it was created by the shooter.
"At this time, it appears the motive was a combination of factors," Chief Barnes said. "Again, we cannot share that information at this time because we do not want to jeopardize the investigation and those who are currently cooperating with us."
Monday afternoon, investigators zoned in on a residence about 15 minutes away from the school and started searching inside. A neighbor told CBS 58, the 15-year-old suspected shooter and her father lived in the home. CBS 58 spoke with neighbors who said it was a frightening sight as a SWAT team pulled up and they heard a lot of booms and saw snipers.
One neighbor -- who wishes to remain anonymous -- told CBS 58 he knew the family, and that Rupnow and her father were always nice people and said he was horrified to find out the young girl could commit such a terrible crime.
"We had interacted with her she was a kind person she helped with our animals one time when we needed someone to come by," the neighbor said.
One thing is clear -- the neighborhood and community are heartbroken such a travesty happened so close to home.
"I just cant believe happened in Madison," said neighbor Jackie Walker. "I cant believe this poor young girl did this. It's really sad, very sad."
Neighbors say they're horrified yet another school shooting happened and this time so close to home.
"I am very surprised it happened here, but it was invevitable, it would happen somewhere," said neighbor Rick Petershack.
Many people saying they are worried for their children and grandchildren to go back to school, a place where they say kids should feel safe.
"It's not just the people who are shot and hurt," said Petershack. "It's the people in the school, it's the people in the community, it's ordinary kids who hear about it and wonder is my school safe?"
Chief Barnes had an emotional message to share during the news conference Tuesday, saying the incident will not define the city.
"As a community we must not allow violence or any act of violence to define us. We refuse to allow hate, or destruction to win in this city, but rather we will honor our survivors our victims through love, support -- the Madison way," Chief Barnes said.
Meantime, the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Office of School and Safety and the Dane County Crime Stoppers program are offering services for victims and those affected by this.
Contributions made to this story by CBS 58's Adam Rife, Andie Bernhardt, and Kathryn Merck.