Ex-wrestler identified as suspect in murder of college gymnastics star

A tragic incident has shaken the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater community as a former college wrestler has been identified as the suspect in the murder of Kara Welsh, a talented student and national title-winning gymnast.

Chad T. Richards, 23, was apprehended following the fatal shooting of Welsh, 21, at her apartment near the university’s campus on Friday. Whitewater police confirmed Richards’ arrest in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Police reports indicate that Richards was acquainted with Welsh. He was present at her apartment on Whitewater Street when authorities arrived. Tragically, Welsh was discovered deceased at the scene, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

According to a statement from the Whitewater police, investigators determined that an altercation took place between Richards and Welsh prior to the shooting.

Richards has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety with a deadly weapon, and disorderly conduct while armed.

As noted on the UW-Whitewater website, Richards was previously a wrestler and was pursuing a finance degree at the university.

Specific details surrounding the events leading to the shooting have not been disclosed, but it has been made clear that the incident arose from a disagreement between the two individuals.

Hailing from Plainfield, Illinois, Welsh was a senior at the university majoring in business management. She was celebrated for winning the individual national title on vault during the NCAA Division III championships last year.

Her impact on the Warhawk community was profound, as expressed by her coach, Jen Regan. “To put into words the impact Kara had on the Warhawk community is impossible,” Regan stated. “A powerful athlete, dedicated teammate, and the light in everyone’s dark days, Kara truly lifted each and every one of us up in her time as a Warhawk gymnast.”

Welsh was recognized as a vault “phenom,” holding four of the eight highest vault scores in the team’s history, as noted by the university’s athletic department.

Besides her athletic prowess, Welsh was lauded for her supportive nature and vibrant personality. Her enthusiasm for uplifting her teammates greatly contributed to their collective success, according to university representatives.

“Kara was a true Warhawk – an amazing person, student and athlete,” Athletic Director Ryan Callahan remarked. “We are all lucky to have spent time with her over the past three years. She was selfless and made everyone around her better. Our hearts go out to her mom, Nancy, and the rest of her family and friends.”

The university community has been deeply affected by Welsh’s passing. Chancellor Corey King addressed students, faculty, and staff, highlighting the necessity of supporting one another. “We know the news of Kara’s death is heartbreaking for our close-knit university community. It is a time when we are all called upon to support one another, to process, and to grieve,” King stated.

The investigation into this tragic event is still ongoing, and the loss of Welsh leaves a significant void in the lives of those who knew her. Friends, family, and the wider university community continue to mourn the passing of a young woman who had so much potential and promise.