WHITEWATER, Wis. — A 23-year-old man has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the fatal shooting of a national gymnastics champion in 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 following an altercation Aug. 30, according to a criminal complaint.
She was found in a pool of blood after Richards called 911. He told investigators that the two were arguing when he said Welsh grabbed his gun from a nightstand. Richards said he wrestled the gun away and shot Welsh because he ''feared for his life,'' the complaint continued.
Police found a handgun and shell casings on the apartment floor. Richards later was 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 was being held on a $1 million bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 28.
Richards, of Loves Park, Illinois, was listed on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 2021-22 wrestling team roster.
