MADISON, Wis. (WMTV/Gray News) – Wisconsin police have identified the man accused of killing a college gymnast.
Whitewater Police Department said 23-year-old Chad Richards is facing charges of first-degree intentional homicide, endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct while armed.
He faced a judge for the first time on Tuesday where his bond was set at $1 million.
Richards is accused of killing 21-year-old Kara Welsh, a gymnast at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, in a deadly shooting. He also attended the university and was listed on the school’s 2021-22 wrestling roster.
According to Whitewater police, Richards and Welsh knew each other, but they did not offer any further details.
Welsh’s coach, Jen Regan, said it’s impossible to put into words the impact she had in the Warhawk community and that her legacy would live on through Warhawk gymnastics forever.
Welsh was a 2023 national champion in the vault, winning the event with a score of 9.825. She was also a two-time WIAC Champion in the vault, tying the program record in 2024 with a score of 9.875.
Friends of the Welsh family have organized a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral expenses.
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