A 23-year-old suspect has been arrested in the shooting death of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater gymnast Kara Welsh. The suspect, who knew the victim, shot Welsh following an altercation at a campus-area apartment. Welsh, a business management major and national title-winning gymnast, was described as a vault “phenom” by her coach and had a significant impact on the university community. The suspect has been booked on suspicion of first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety while armed, and disorderly conduct while armed, but his name has not been released. The killing occurred off-campus, about a mile east of the school’s main campus.
University officials and the Whitewater Police Department have expressed condolences and support for the community in the wake of Welsh’s death. Memorial services will be announced at a later date, and counseling is available to those who need it. The campus will fly flags at half-staff upon the return of students, faculty, and staff. The governing body for gymnastics in the United States, USA Gymnastics, also offered condolences to Welsh’s family, friends, and teammates.
Welsh’s family members have not yet commented on the tragic incident. Whitewater, where the shooting occurred, is located about 50 miles west-southwest of Milwaukee. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and more information may be released as the case progresses.
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