MADISON (WKOW) — The father of the teenage girl who opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School in December 2024, killing two people and hurting several others, made his initial appearance in Dane County Court on Friday.
Jeffrey Rupnow, 42, of Madison, appeared virtually on charges of providing a dangerous weapon to a child (two counts) and contributing to the delinquency of a child.
His daughter, Natalie Rupnow, 15, shot multiple students in a classroom at ALCS, according to police. The Dane County Medical Examiner said she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The gun used in the shooting and another collected from the scene were both purchased legally in Dane County by Jeffrey Rupnow.
Jeffrey was arrested early Thursday morning after a traffic stop was made by Madison police.
During his initial appearance in court on Friday, a court commissioner ordered Jeffrey to be held on $20,000 cash bail. If he posts it, he will be fitted with a GPS monitor.
Jeffrey has no previous criminal convictions.
The state argued for a $100,000 bond, while Jeffrey's lawyer argued for $1,000.
During the initial appearance, the state argued that Jeffrey's actions led up to the shooting.
"This is unprecedented," said Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne. "There was no other person who knew the child better than the defendant. His actions and lack of judgment here contributed to the fatal and tragic mass violence incident at Abundant Life."
Jeffrey's defense attorney Bruce Davie argued he does not pose any threat to the community.
"He has a job, a full-time job. His parents reside here. He's been a lifetime Dane County resident. He has no criminal convictions," said Davie.
Rupnow is also not to purchase or possess firearms and cannot have any contact with ALCS.
His next court appearance is scheduled for June 9.
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