The babyface California man accused of helping a Wisconsin teen plan a school shooting that left a student and a teacher dead has broken his silence.
Alexander Paffendorf appeared by video in a collared shirt and tie in court Friday to face the consequences of his actions, without detailing his role in the Dec. 16 shooting at Abundant Life Christian School.
He said he was ready for a hearing on whether a restraining order confiscating his guns and ammunition should remain in effect and expressed regret for his actions.
Police have said Paffendorf admitted to federal agents that he texted 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, the 15-year-old school shooter, about attacking a government building with a gun and explosives while she carried out the attack at the small Christian school.
Shortly afterwards, neighbors told CBS8 they saw more than a dozen police cars enter the apartment complex where Paffendorf lives Tuesday evening and saw officers emerge from the building with what was described as a “black gun case.”
Paffendorf has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but an attorney for the city of Carlsbad told Judge Devon Lomayesva that he is under criminal investigation.
A detective also told the judge that the FBI is expected to complete its investigation within two to three months, prompting Lomayesva to delay processing the restraining order.
He explained that it was in Paffendorf’s best interest to postpone the hearing since he was under criminal investigation but had no attorney present.
Alexander Paffendorf appeared by video in a collared shirt and tie in court Friday to face the consequences of his actions
He allegedly admitted to officers that he had texted 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow (pictured) about attacking a government building with a gun and explosives
The ruling maintains the order to confiscate Paffendorf’s weapons through April 4 as police continue their investigation into the school shooting and Paffendorf’s role.
Authorities previously said Rupnow entered Abundant Life Christian School with two guns but used only one to carry out the attack, which killed 14-year-old student Rubi Patricia Vergara and 42-year-old teacher Erin Michelle West.
Police then received a call at 10.57am and officers arrived seconds later.
At 11:05 a.m., officers found Rupnow injured when they recovered her weapon.
She was later pronounced dead on the way to hospital while fire crews treated at least six other victims, whose injuries ranged from minor to life-threatening.
A motive for the shooting still remains unclear, with police saying they do not know if anyone specifically was targeted in the attack, as some have suggested.
Police are now working with the FBI to search online records and other sources and speak to the shooter’s parents and classmates in an effort to determine a motive for the shooting.
Authorities were also seen raiding the Rupnows’ home in Wisconsin after the tragedy.
Rupnow shot and killed 14-year-old student Rubi Patricia Vergara and 42-year-old teacher Erin Michelle West before turning the gun on herself on December 16
A motive for the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School (photo) remains unclear
Investigators are trying to determine if Rupnow’s parents, Jeff and Melissa, had any involvement or contributed to Natalie’s actions.
Online court records show there are no criminal cases against her father, Jeffrey Rupnow, or her mother, Mellissa Rupnow.
They are divorced and share custody of their daughter, but she lived primarily with her father, according to court documents. Divorce records show Rupnow was in therapy in 2022, but don’t say why.