The family of Wisconsin school shooting victim Rubi Patricia Vergara has said they have forgiven killer Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow as they offered a theory about her state of mind.
Vergara, 14, was among the victims killed after 15-year-old Rupnow opened fire in a study hall at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday before turning the gun on herself.
At a shocking moment during the Funeral service of 14 year old teenager On Saturday, Vergara’s family forgave Rupnow and shared a sympathetic view of her actions.
“We hold no bitterness or unforgiveness toward 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow and her family. They also lost a daughter,” said Andy Remus, Vergara’s uncle.
“Somehow this precious child of God has lost his way,” he added.
Remus spoke to the crowd, his voice breaking as he continued to speak, thinking of his niece in times of joy.
He started by saying that his family loved to laugh and encouraged others to do so too.
‘As strange as it sounds, the Remus’ like to laugh. That’s OK, we just need to take a breath,” he said, urging the crowd to laugh and clap at a funny memory of his lost niece.
“If this is truly a celebration of life, then let’s do it.”
Andy Remus, the uncle of 14-year-old Rubi Vergara, said in a shocking moment that their family has “no bitterness or unforgiveness” toward gunman Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow as he spoke at Vergara’s funeral service.
‘As strange as it sounds, the Remus’ like to laugh. That’s OK, we just need to take a breath,” he said, urging the crowd to laugh and clap at a funny memory of his lost niece.
He asked the teachers at the school to absolve themselves of any blame.
“Don’t blame yourself for a minute for everything that happened here. My family releases you from all feelings of guilt and we encourage you to continue to faithfully teach Christian values.”
He also began thanking the people of Madison and their kindness amid the tragedy that befell their community.
“My family is nobody in this town, and we were treated with kindness and the most compassion you could imagine,” he said, his voice breaking, as he thanked those who donated to help Vergara rest.
She was remembered by friends as someone who was musically and artistically gifted and an avid reader, who played her keyboard in her family worship band.
“She had the beautiful gift of empathy. She applied a caring and creative approach to everything she did.
“She never wanted to be in the spotlight…she would probably be shocked to see so many people in church just for her,” a longtime family friend told the crowd of hundreds.
The mother of Vegara’s best friend said, “Ruby was a gift in every way to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Substitute teacher Erin West was also fatally shot the same day. West’s funeral service will take place on Monday, December 23.
“We hold no bitterness or unforgiveness toward 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow and her family. They also lost a daughter,” Remus said
Vergara, 14, was among the victims who died after 15-year-old Rupnow opened fire in a study hall at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday before turning the gun on herself
West is survived by her husband and three daughters, her parents and her sister.
Her obituary stated, “Erin enjoyed family camping trips, attending school sporting events, serving at Doxa Church, and spending time with her daughters and the rest of her family.”
The cause of the tragedy is still under investigation. A spokesman said police were speaking with the shooter’s father and other family members, who were cooperative, and were searching the shooter’s home.