Suspect Named in Killing of National Title-Winning College Gymnast After Police Say He Was 'Known to' Her

Mar. 15, 2025

Kara Welsh (left), Chad Richards.Photo:GoFundMe, Whitewater Police

GoFundMe, Whitewater Police

A suspect has been identified in the killing of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student and national title-winning gymnastKara Welsh.

In a Tuesday, Sept. 3Facebookpost, Whitewater police confirmed that Chad T. Richards, 23, was arrested in connection with the death of 21-year-old Welsh.

Welsh was found dead at an apartment in the 100 block of W. Whitewater Street in Whitewater on Friday, Aug. 30 at approximately 11:54 p.m. local time. She sustained multiple gunshot wounds, according to authorities.

Police said Richards, who was “known to" Welsh, was also at the apartment when officers arrived.

“Through investigation, it was determined that leading up to the shooting, an altercation had occurred between the two,” according to a Whitewater police press release.

Kara Welsh.Kara Welsh/Facebook

Kara Welsh/Facebook

AGoFundMepage has been set up to help Welsh’s family financially amid the tragedy.

According to the post, Welsh had “a unique ability to bring joy to any person she crossed paths with, always putting a smile on people’s faces with her sense of humor, unwavering support and sweet disposition.”

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Richards was on the UW-Whitewater wrestling roster for the 2021-22 season,WCLOreported. He is being held at Walworth County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Walworth County Court on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Whitewater Police Department at 262-473-0555 option #4. Anonymous tips may also be shared usingP3Tips.com.

source: people.com