Chad T. Richards, a 23-year-old University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student, has been charged with the first-degree intentional homicide of gymnast Kara Welsh, according to a criminal complaint. The incident occurred on the night of August 30, when Richards called the police to report a woman dying in an apartment. When officers arrived, they found Richards "crying hysterically" and discovered Welsh’s body with multiple gunshot wounds, as reported by TMJ4.
Richards, from Loves Park, Illinois, is scheduled for his initial court appearance yesterday. He is being held on a $1 million cash bond at the Walworth County Jail. His attorney noted in a statement to Fox 6 Milwaukee that Richards is a fellow student at UW-Whitewater.
The complaint, filed in Walworth County Circuit Court, levies a severe charge against Richards that could lead to life imprisonment. He reportedly called 911 at roughly 11:54 p.m., asserting a female was in dire straits. Following police arrival, Welch was found deceased in her apartment, her body bearing eight gunshot wounds spanning from her neck to her lower back. A handgun and shell casings were also located at the scene, as detailed by WISN.
Richards' claim of self-defense has yet to be fully examined by the courts. The Walworth County Medical Examiner's Office has determined that multiple gunshot wounds caused Welsh's death. The autopsy details the extent of the injuries that led to the young athlete's death, highlighting the seriousness of the charges against Richards and the suffering experienced by Welsh. A trial date and further proceedings are expected but have not been announced.
