Chad Richards, a 32-year-old former college wrestler from Loves Park, Illinois, is accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend, Kara Welsh, 21, eight times. Richards claims he acted in self-defense, saying he "feared for his life" during a heated argument with Welsh on August 30, according to a criminal complaint.
Richards stated that during the altercation, Welsh, a 5-foot-6 gymnast at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, allegedly grabbed a gun from her bedroom nightstand. He claims he wrestled the weapon away from her and fired the shots in fear for his safety.
However, the complaint reveals that some of the shots were fired while Welsh was in a fetal position. In total, Richards fired 11 shots, eight of which struck Welsh in the torso and neck.
After the shooting, Richards called the police and was found outside the off-campus apartment crying, while Welsh lay inside in a pool of blood. Richards has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, disorderly conduct while armed, and endangering safety by the use of a dangerous weapon. He is currently being held on a $1 million bond.
Welsh, an accomplished gymnast, was preparing to begin her senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Richards is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on October 28.
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