WHITEWATER, Wis. — A 23-year-old man has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the fatal shooting of a national gymnastics champion at his apartment near the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus.
Chad Richards made an initial appearance Friday via video in Walworth County Court.
Kara Welsh, 21, suffered multiple gunshot wounds after an altercation on Aug. 30, according to a criminal complaint.
She was found in a pool of blood after Richards called 911. He told investigators the two were arguing when he said Welsh grabbed his gun from a nightstand. Richards said he struggled with the gun and shot Welsh because he was “in fear for his life,” the complaint continued.
Police found a handgun and shell casings on the floor of the apartment. Richards was later arrested. He told investigators that Welsh was his girlfriend.
The Associated Press left a message Friday afternoon seeking comment from Richards' attorney, Gibson Hatch.
Richards is being held on $1 million bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 28.
Richards, of Loves Park, Illinois, was named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 2021-22 wrestling team roster.
Welsh, a native of Plainfield, Illinois, was studying management in the school's College of Business and Economics. She was a member of the Warhawks' gymnastics team and last year took home the individual national title in vault at the NCAA Division III championships.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Milwaukee.
