A 23-year-old man has been arrested in the shooting death of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater gymnast Kara Welsh near campus following an altercation at a campus-area apartment. The suspect, who knew the victim, has been booked on suspicion of first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety while armed, and disorderly conduct while armed. The man’s name has not been released and it is unclear if he is still in jail or has obtained legal counsel. The killing occurred about a mile east of the school’s main campus at a residence listed as off-campus housing.
Welsh, a business management major from Plainfield, Illinois, was a national title-winning gymnast and a vault “phenom” known for her impact on the university community. University officials, including Chancellor Corey King and gymnastics coach Jen Regan, expressed their sadness over Welsh’s death and offered support to the university community through counseling services. USA Gymnastics also extended condolences to Welsh’s family, friends, and teammates.
Memorial services for Welsh will be announced at a later date, and flags on campus will fly at half-staff in her honor. Whitewater police have not provided further details on the case, and Welsh’s family has not responded to requests for comments. Whitewater is located about 50 miles west-southwest of Milwaukee.
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