On December 16, 2024, the tranquil halls of Abundant Life Christian School on Madison’s east side were shattered by a tragedy that would leave deep scars on the community. Just before 11 a.m., a 15-year-old student opened fire inside the school, killing 14-year-old student Rubi Patricia Vergara and 42-year-old teacher Erin West, and injuring six others. The shooter, whose name authorities have withheld out of respect for the families, then took her own life, ending the violence but launching a year of grief, reflection, and resilience for Madison and beyond.
Now, as the community marks the one-year anniversary of the shooting, the pain is still fresh, yet so too is the determination to heal. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, first responders and medical staff who rushed to the scene that day continue to reflect on the impact of their actions and the ongoing recovery of survivors. Emergency personnel regularly meet to prepare for future crises, drawing on the difficult lessons learned from that harrowing morning. Madison Emergency Management Lieutenant Jimmy Imoel emphasized the importance of readiness, stating, “The paramedics who went in and quickly rushed survivors out to the hospital performed miracles that day.”
The trauma extended far beyond the immediate victims and their families. Six others were wounded, and the entire school community was left reeling. One of those injured, Samy Garduno-Martinez, faced a particularly long and difficult road. Dr. Adam Brinkman, director of the level one trauma center at American Family Children’s Hospital, was the original surgeon for Samy. He recalled to WKOW Madison, “We are not just a hospital that takes care of children; we’re a children’s hospital. Everyone here has special training to care for our patients.” Samy spent six months in a coma before being released in October 2025 to continue his recovery at a dedicated facility in Chicago. His journey has become a symbol of hope and perseverance for many in the Madison area.
While the immediate aftermath of the shooting brought unimaginable pain, it also sparked a remarkable outpouring of support from local businesses and residents. On the day of the attack, as first responders secured the area and families anxiously awaited news, Jose Zavala and his team at Rocky Rococo on Monona Drive sprang into action. “We made fresh pizzas, cookies, breadsticks, and we ran them over to the school,” Zavala remembered, as reported by Channel 3000. The food was delivered not just to law enforcement, but also to ALCS students, families, and staff who were kept together while the investigation unfolded. Zavala continued his efforts in the days that followed, hand-delivering pizzas to ALCS families in hopes of providing a small measure of comfort. “You definitely see them crying and upset,” Zavala said. “You see the kiddos scared and you kind of feel the way they feel. It’s very hard for sure.”
The wave of support didn’t stop there. Other business owners, like Anthony Steinhauer of Varsity Bar and Grill in Sun Prairie, stepped up as well. Steinhauer’s connection to the school was personal—his oldest son once attended ALCS, and his wife had taught there briefly. On the day of the shooting, his children’s current school, High Point Christian School (a sister school to ALCS), was placed on lockdown as a precaution. Steinhauer recalled the difficult conversations he had to have with his children: “It’s like, what do you tell them? Do you tell them what happened and make them scared? Do you just kind of sugarcoat it as best you can because they’re kids?”
Seeking ways to help, Steinhauer invited ALCS families and faculty to his restaurant, offering free meals and a place to gather and grieve. More than 200 people came together in the days after the shooting, finding solace in community and shared experience. “It was just enjoying community,” Steinhauer said. “You saw people go and give each other hugs.” Even a year later, Varsity Bar and Grill remains a safe haven for ALCS families, a testament to the enduring bonds forged in the wake of tragedy. “Whatever we can do to help them and help the families to continue to heal from the tragedy is what we want to be able to do,” Steinhauer added.
As the anniversary approached, Zavala planned to deliver more pizzas to ALCS, a simple but heartfelt gesture to remind students, staff, and families that they are not forgotten or alone. Such acts of kindness have become a cornerstone of the community’s response, reinforcing the sense that, even in the face of profound loss, Madison stands together.
The trauma of that day, however, has not faded from the minds of those who were there. First responders, many of whom still meet regularly to hone their preparedness, have received ongoing support from the community—a recognition of the emotional toll such incidents take on those who rush in when others flee. According to Lieutenant Imoel, these regular meetings and the backing of the public have been crucial in helping emergency personnel cope and remain ready for whatever challenges may come next.
The medical staff at American Family Children’s Hospital also faced unprecedented challenges. Though trained for emergencies, nothing could have fully prepared them for the influx of patients and the severity of their injuries. Dr. Brinkman’s account of treating Samy Garduno-Martinez underscores the dedication and expertise required to respond to such events. “Everyone here has special training to care for our patients,” he said, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to the community’s children.
Meanwhile, the legal aftermath of the shooting continues to unfold. The shooter’s father, Jeffrey Rupnow, faces two counts of intentionally selling a dangerous weapon to a person under 18 and one felony count of contributing to child delinquency. According to Madison.com, Rupnow has requested that the complaint against him be dismissed, but as of the anniversary, no next court date has been scheduled. The case serves as a stark reminder of the broader issues surrounding gun access and responsibility—a debate that remains unresolved both locally and nationally.
For the families of Rubi Patricia Vergara and Erin West, the pain of loss is immeasurable. The community continues to honor their memories, not only through vigils and remembrances but also by supporting one another in the slow, difficult process of healing. The tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School has left a mark on Madison, but it has also revealed the city’s resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to its children and educators.
As Madison reflects on the events of December 16, 2024, and looks ahead, the lessons learned and the bonds formed in the wake of tragedy continue to shape the community’s path forward.