A devastating event occurred at Rice University in Houston, Texas, on Monday when a student was found dead in her dorm room in what appears to be a murder-suicide. The student, identified as Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a junior from Maryland, was discovered by campus police following a wellness check requested by a family member due to her unexplained absence from class.
Avila and an unidentified male, who was not a student at the university, were found in her dorm room at Jones College around 4:30 p.m. Both individuals had sustained gunshot wounds, with the male’s injury seeming to be self-inflicted. They were declared dead at the scene.
A note discovered at the scene, presumably written by the male, suggested a romantic relationship between him and Avila. The note hinted at turmoil in their relationship at the time of the incident.
The shocking discovery prompted a lockdown across the campus and the suspension of classes until Tuesday. Rice University President Reginald DesRoches addressed the incident in a press conference, expressing his condolences and assuring the university community of their safety.
DesRoches stressed that there was no immediate threat to the campus and committed to providing support to the student body. He also expressed his empathy as a parent of a former Rice student, acknowledging the devastating impact of the incident.
Avila’s parents were expected to arrive in Houston on Tuesday. Police reported no signs of forced entry into Avila’s room, leading them to believe that Avila had invited the shooter in. Campus police stated that they had not received any previous calls or complaints regarding the couple. The university has made counseling services available to students and staff in need.