| By Big Radio News Staff |

Authorities in Walworth County file a criminal complaint against Chad Richards, the man accused of killing UW-Whitewater gymnast Kara Welsh.

The complaint says police arrived at an apartment building in the 100 block of West Whitewater Street early last Saturday morning to find Richards on his phone and “crying hysterically” in the hallway and Welsh’s body inside. An autopsy cited in the complaint determined Welsh had been shot eight times. Richards told police that Welsh was his girlfriend.

The complaint says police found 11 shell casings on the floor of the apartment and said some of Welsh’s injuries were consistent with the shooter standing over her while she was in the fetal position on the floor.

Under questioning by police the night he was arrested, Richards said he and Welsh had gotten into an argument  but that he couldn’t remember what it was about. Richards said he punched a door in the apartment, and police observed holes in the bedroom door and cuts and skin missing from Richards’ knuckles.

Richards said as the argument continued, Welsh grabbed a handgun he had in his nightstand. Richards said he wrestled the gun away from Welsh and shot her because he feared for his life. He then called his father and 911.

Richards is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and is being held on a $1 million bond.