The family of Wisconsin school shooting victim Rubi Patricia Vergara has said they forgive killer Natalie ‘Samantha’ Rupnow as they give a message to the family.
Vergara, 14, was one of the victims to die after 15-year-old Rupnow opened fire in a study hall at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday before turning the gun on herself.
In a shocking moment during the 14-year-old teenager’s funeral service on Saturday, Vergara’s family forgave Rupnow and shared a sympathetic view of her actions.
‘We hold no bitterness or unforgiveness towards 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow and her family. They lost a daughter too,’ said Andy Remus, Vergara’s uncle.
‘Somehow, this precious child of God lost her way,’ he added.
Remus spoke to the crowd, his voice breaking as he continued to speak, and remembered his niece in times of joy.
He began by saying that his family enjoyed laughing and encouraged others to do so too.
‘As strange as it sounds, the Remus’ like to laugh. That’s alright, we need to just breathe,’ he said as he urged 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, victim 14-year-old Rubi Vergara’s uncle, said in a shocking moment that their family hold ‘no bitterness or unforgiveness’ toward shooter Natalie ‘Samantha’ Rupnow while he spoke at Vergara’s funeral service
‘As strange as it sounds, the Remus’ like to laugh. That’s alright, we need to just breathe,’ he said as he urged 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 guilt.
‘Do not for one minute blame yourselves for anything that has happened here, my family releases you from any feelings of guilt and we encourage you to continue your faithful teaching of Christian values.’
He also began to thank those in Madison, and their kindness amid the tragedy upon their community.
‘My family is nobody in this city, and we were treated with kindness and the most compassion you can ever imagine,’ he said his voice breaking, while he thanked those who donated to help lay Vergara to 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 horrified to see this many people in the church just for her,’ said a longtime family friend to the crowd of hundreds.
Vegara’s best friend’s mother said: ‘Ruby was, in every sense, a gift to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.’
Substitute teacher Erin West was also fatally shot on the same day. West’s funeral service will take place on Monday December 23.
‘We hold no bitterness or unforgiveness towards 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow and her family. They lost a daughter too,’ said Remus
Vergara, 14, was one of the victims to die 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 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 for the tragedy is still under investigation, a spokesperson said police were talking with the shooter´s father and other family members, who were cooperating, and searching the shooter’s home.
