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Charges Filed in Tragic Shooting Case Involving University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Students

Chad Richards, a former wrestler at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has been charged in the death of 21-year-old Kara Welsh, whose body was discovered in his apartment shortly before midnight on August 30. The incident has raised significant concerns within the community.

Richards, 23, appeared via video in Walworth County Court on Friday, facing charges of first-degree intentional homicide, alongside additional counts of endangering safety through the use of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct.

The Whitewater Police Department has identified Richards as the individual suspected of causing Welsh’s death. Upon arrival at Richards’ residence, police found Welsh with an apparent gunshot wound, indicating that an altercation had occurred prior to the shooting.

According to a criminal complaint released on Friday, it was revealed that Welsh suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Reports suggest that Richards made the initial 911 call, claiming that an argument had ensued and that Welsh attempted to grab his gun from a nightstand. He stated that he wrestled the firearm from Welsh and subsequently shot her, fearing for his life during the struggle.

Evidence collected from the scene included 11 spent shell casings, and a medical examiner’s report confirmed that Welsh sustained eight gunshot wounds to critical areas including her neck and torso.

Richards remains in custody with a bond set at $1 million. He identified Welsh as his girlfriend, further complicating the narrative of their relationship. Online records indicate that he was part of the UW-Whitewater wrestling team from 2020 to 2022, while Welsh was an active member of the gymnastics team.

Coach Jen Regan expressed the profound impact Welsh had on the gymnastics community, calling her a “powerful athlete” and a source of light for her teammates. Regan emphasized that the influence and legacy of Kara would continue to resonate within the Warhawk gymnastics program.

Originally from Plainfield, Illinois, Welsh was pursuing a degree in management within the College of Business and Economics at UW-Whitewater. She was notably recognized last year when she won a national title in the vault at the NCAA Division III championships.

Richards is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on October 26, as the legal process unfolds amidst the community’s grief and concern regarding the tragic event.

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