A tragic incident unfolded at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville when two female students were found dead in their dorm room. The victims, identified as Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms, both 22, were discovered with gunshot wounds on Monday. Authorities are treating the case as a murder-suicide.
Helms, an elementary education student, was pronounced dead at the scene. Martin, who was studying psychology and also served as an assistant resident director, was airlifted to a University of Wisconsin hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, she later succumbed to her injuries, as per a statement released by the university on Tuesday night.
Preliminary autopsy results suggest that Helms died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Police Department received a distress call about an incident at Wilgus Hall, a dormitory on campus, shortly before 4 p.m. on Monday. Police Chief Joe Hallman confirmed the details.
Following the incident, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the dormitory, which was lifted just after 5 p.m. Eyewitnesses reported students fleeing from the dormitory on Monday afternoon, and a significant law enforcement presence was observed on campus.
Eric Sperduto, a resident of Wilgus Hall, expressed his shock and sadness at the incident. He extended his sympathies to the families and friends of the victims and acknowledged the profound impact the event would have on fellow students.
The university community is mourning the loss of Martin, from Beloit, Wisconsin, and Helms, from Baraboo, Wisconsin. UW-Platteville Chancellor Tammy Evetovich issued a statement urging students to support each other during this difficult time.
In the wake of the tragedy, final exams have been canceled at the university. The university statement also mentioned that counseling services are being offered this week for members of the community. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville and the university’s police department have not yet responded to requests for comment.