The family of Wisconsin school shooting victim Rubi Patricia Vergara has said they forgive killer Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow while delivering a message to the family.
Vergara, 14, was one of the victims who died after 15-year-old Rupnow opened fire in a study room at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday before turning the gun on herself.
In a shocking moment during the 14-year-old teen's funeral on Saturday, Vergara's family forgave Rupnow and expressed understanding for her actions.
“We feel 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, remembering his niece in times of joy.
He began by saying that his family loves to laugh and encourage others to do so.
“As strange as it may sound, the Remus like to laugh.” “That's okay, we just need to breathe,” he said, encouraging the crowd to laugh and clap at the funny memory of his lost niece.
“If this is truly a celebration of life, then let’s do it.”
Andy Remus, 14-year-old Rubi Vergara's uncle, said in a shocking moment that her family had “no bitterness or unforgiveness” toward shooter Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow while speaking at Vergara's memorial service
“As strange as it may sound, the Remus like to laugh.” “That's okay, we just need to breathe,” he said, encouraging the crowd to laugh and clap at the funny memory of his lost niece
He called on the school's teachers to absolve themselves of any blame.
“Don’t blame yourself for a minute for everything that happened here. My family releases you from any feelings of guilt and we encourage you to continue to faithfully teach your Christian values.”
He also began to thank the people of Madison and their kindness amid the tragedy affecting their community.
“My family is no one in this city, and we were treated with kindness and the greatest compassion imaginable,” he said, his voice breaking as he thanked those who donated to help put Vergara to rest .
Friends remembered her as a musically and artistically gifted and avid reader who played keyboard in her family worship band.
“She had the wonderful gift of empathy.” She took a caring and creative approach to everything she did.
“She never wanted to be in the spotlight… She would probably be horrified to see so many people at church just for her,” a longtime family friend told the crowd of hundreds.
The mother of Vegara's best friend said, “Ruby was in every way a gift to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”
On the same day, substitute teacher Erin West was fatally shot. West's memorial service will be held on Monday, December 23rd.
“We feel no bitterness or unforgiveness towards 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow and her family. “They also lost a daughter,” said Remus
Vergara, 14, was one of the victims who died after 15-year-old Rupnow opened fire in a study room 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 said: “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 spoke with the shooter's father and other cooperating family members and searched the shooter's home.
