Man accused of killing 21-year-old Kara Welsh, of Plainfield, appears in court

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The man accused of killing 21-year-old Kara Welsh, of Plainfield, made his first appearance in court on Tuesday in Wisconsin.

Welsh was murdered on Friday, just days before she was set to begin her senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW). She was a standout member of the school's gymnastics team and, in 2023, won a national individual title in vault.

On Tuesday, prosecutors in Wisconsin started laying out their case against 23-year-old Chad Richards, who now faces multiple charges, including first degree intentional homicide.

Richards, of suburban Rockford, was accused of fatally shooting Welsh during an argument inside of an off-campus apartment.

His attorney said Richards is a senior at UWW.

CBS News Chicago reported that the judge in Richards’ case ruled that the 23-year-old is a flight risk and a danger to the public — and set bond for him at $1 million.

Richards is due back in court Friday.

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