What's New
Natalie Rupnow's mother agreed to attend therapy sessions with her daughter in 2022, court records show.
Rupnow, 15, has been identified by police as the suspect in the shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday.
In a mediated agreement between Natalie's parents, Mellissa Rupnow and Jeffrey Rupnow, Mellissa agreed to connect with Natalie's therapist and participate in the sessions as recommended by the therapist.
Why It Matters
The shooting at Abundant Life Christian School left one teacher and one student dead. Six others were injured.
Police said Natalie died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials said her family is cooperating with the investigation.
What To Know
Jeffrey agreed to schedule therapy sessions that accommodate Mellissa's work schedule. Mellissa said she would find other ways to attend, such as on Zoom if she could not participate in person.
Jeffrey and Mellissa divorced in 2014, according to court documents. The parents initially agreed to joint legal custody of Natalie, but her primary physical placement would be with her mother.
The couple remarried in 2017, according to an order of support. Four years later, they filed for divorce again.
At the time, Mellissa and Jeffrey agreed to shared placement of Natalie. However, in the 2022 mediated agreement, Jeffrey received the primary placement of Natalie. The parents agreed to work toward equal placement.
They described their co-parenting relationship as "positive" and agreed to maintain communication via text messages and phone calls.
The document was filed in the Dane County Courthouse in Madison and signed by a family court counselor.
An alleged manifesto written by Natalie has been circulating on social media. The document mentions her parents, describing her relationship with them as "extremely difficult" and referring to them as "scum."
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said officials have not verified the document's authenticity.
What People Are Saying
President Joe Biden, on X: "Today, families in Madison, Wisconsin are grieving the loss of those who were killed and wounded at Abundant Life Christian School. It's shocking and unconscionable. We need Congress to act. Now."
Madison Police Chief Barnes, at a news conference: "Every person in that building is a victim and will be a victim forever."
Abundant Life Christian School, on Facebook: "We have been flooded with thoughts & prayers. This great nation is behind us. So grateful for the tsunami of prayers for our students, staff, & families."
What's Next
At a press conference on Tuesday, Barnes said police are working to verify where the alleged manifesto originated. He said he will provide an update on the document at a later date.
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