A college wrestling star has been identified as the man accused of murdering student gymnast Kara Welsh.
Chad T. Richards, 23, has been charged with fatally shooting Welsh, 21, following a dispute on Aug. 30.
Police said the two knew each other, but have not confirmed the exact nature of their relationship.
Welsh, a student at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in her off-campus apartment shortly before midnight.
Chad T. Richards, 23, has been charged with fatally shooting Kara Welsh, 21, following a dispute on Aug. 30.
Richards, of Loves Park, Illinois, is scheduled to appear in Walworth County Court later today.
Police have asked the district attorney’s office to file charges of first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety by use of dangerous weapons and disorderly conduct while armed.
Richards is listed on the University of Wisconsin Whitewater’s 2021-2022 wrestling team roster as a finance major.
The university is the same one where I studied Welsh.from Plainfield, Illinois
She enjoyed great success as a gymnast, having won a national title in the vault in her junior year.
He studied administration at the school’s Faculty of Business and Economics.
Her devastated family spoke about their loss and paid tribute to the star athlete in a GoFundMe.
Welsh was a star athlete at her college, having won a national title in vaulting in her junior year.
Richards has been named to the University of Wisconsin Whitewater wrestling team roster for the 2021-2022 season.
“We’re all still trying to come to terms with this,” said Welsh’s cousin, Shane Welsh.
“We’re all feeling a lot of emotions, whether it’s family, friends, classmates or coaches. We’re all very devastated by this.”
In their fundraiser, Welsh’s family described how the star athlete “always put a smile on people’s faces with her sense of humour, unwavering support and sweet disposition”.
Her college gymnastics coach also remembered her and praised her skills.
Welsh was found with multiple gunshot wounds in her off-campus apartment on Friday.
“A phenom on the vault, Welsh holds four of the eight best scores recorded by a Warhawk gymnast in program history on the apparatus,” a statement read.
“In addition to her great gymnastics ability, Welsh was a dedicated and supportive teammate. Her great personality and passion for motivating those around her helped her teammates succeed.”
Police said their investigation remains ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact the Whitewater Police Department at 262-473-0555, option #4.
