A recent shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, has left the community reeling. The Dane County Medical Examiner has confirmed the identities of the two victims: 14-year-old student Rubi Patricia Vergara and 42-year-old teacher Erin M. West. Both were pronounced dead at the scene due to "homicidal firearm related trauma." The suspected shooter, 15-year-old Natalie "Samantha" L. Rupnow, also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Vergara's obituary describes her as a talented young woman with a passion for art, music, and reading. Her family is grieving her loss as they prepare for her funeral. West, a beloved teacher who recently transitioned to a full-time position at the school, is also mourned by the community.

Emergency vehicles outside Abundant Life Christian School. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes stated that determining the motive behind the shooting is the primary focus of the ongoing investigation. While he suggested a combination of factors contributed to the tragedy, he refrained from providing specifics, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. Police recovered two firearms at the school, though only one appears to have been used in the shooting. Authorities are working closely with Rupnow’s family, who are cooperating fully with the investigation.

Police investigate outside Abundant Life Christian School. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Two other students remain hospitalized in critical condition, while a teacher and three additional students sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Two of the injured have since been released from the hospital. James and Rebekah Smith, parents of a student at the school, shared their connection to the victims and their families. They revealed that Rupnow was a new student, having enrolled earlier in the semester, and seemed isolated from her peers.