Criminal Attorney Josh Kolsrud Talks with Phoenix 3TV About Deadly Wisconsin School Shooting

Tragedy in Madison: A Deadly School Shooting Raises Questions About Gun Access and Parental Accountability

The Madison, Wisconsin community is reeling in the aftermath of a tragic school shooting at a private Christian school that claimed the lives of two individuals and left several others injured. Authorities identified the shooter as 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, who was found dead inside the school following the attack. This devastating event has reignited national conversations surrounding gun laws and the responsibilities of parents when minors gain access to firearms.

Josh Kolsrud, a Phoenix-based criminal defense attorney with Kolsrud Law Offices, joined 3TV Phoenix anchors to provide insight into the legal implications and potential accountability for the shooter’s parents.

Limited Information on Motive

“At this point, the Madison Police Department has been tight-lipped about the possible motives behind this case,” Kolsrud noted. “They have yet to release a manifesto allegedly linked to Natalie Rupnow or provide details about her personal relationships that might have influenced her actions.”

Access to Firearms: A Critical Factor

One pressing question is how Rupnow was able to access a firearm. “Prosecutors in cases like this always investigate how the shooter obtained the weapon,” Kolsrud explained.

He referenced two high-profile cases to illustrate potential legal outcomes:

1. Ethan Crumbley Case (Michigan): Crumbley’s parents were charged with negligent homicide for failing to securely store their handgun, marking the first instance of such charges in the United States.
2. Colton Gray Case (Georgia): The shooter’s father faced charges of negligent homicide and second-degree murder after his failure to secure firearms.

“We’re all waiting to see if Wisconsin prosecutors will follow similar paths,” Kolsrud said. “In this case, social media evidence shows Rupnow using a 9mm handgun under her father’s supervision a few months ago. Investigators will need to determine if that was the same weapon used in the shooting and whether it was properly secured at home.”

Parental Liability Under Wisconsin Law

Wisconsin does have child access prevention laws, but they only apply to children under the age of 14. Since Rupnow was 15, this law would not be applicable. However, Kolsrud pointed out that negligent homicide charges could still be pursued. “If prosecutors find evidence that her father provided the weapon or failed to store it properly, they could charge him with negligent homicide, following the precedent set in Michigan and Georgia,” he said.

Preventing Future Tragedies

While accountability is crucial, Kolsrud emphasized the importance of prevention. “Locking up firearms can be an ounce of prevention that prevents immense tragedy,” he said. Unfortunately, gaps in current laws and the accessibility of firearms to minors continue to pose challenges.

A Call for Change

As the nation mourns another senseless act of violence, discussions about stricter gun laws and parental responsibility gain urgency. “People want someone to be held accountable,” Kolsrud reflected. “But beyond that, we need effective measures to prevent these tragedies from happening in the first place.”

This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder of the importance of gun safety and the potential legal ramifications for those who fail to uphold it. The Madison community, like many others before it, will now grapple with grief and unanswered questions as the investigation unfolds.