HOUSTON, Texas – A female student at Rice University was found dead in her residence hall room at Jones College on Monday in what appeared to be a murder-suicide.
The body of Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a junior transfer student at Jones College from Maryland, was found by Rice University campus police after her family requested a wellness check. She had missed all of her classes on Monday. It was the first day of school for the university.
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According to Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez, a note believed to be written by Avila’s shooter was found in the room, reports ABC13. The victim and the alleged gunman, whose identity has not been released, were reportedly in a troubled, long-distance relationship.
The man was not a student, and his body was also found in Avila’s dorm room. He died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, reports News4SA.
Officials believe the shooter may be from Florida, reports Fox26Houston. He wasn’t a registered visitor with Rice University or Jones College and probably came into the residence hall with the victim.
Shelter-in-Place Order Issued by Rice University Immediately after Report
Authorities are ruling Avila’s death a homicide.
Immediately after the report of the shooting, Rice University issued a shelter-in-place order. Classes were cancelled for the remainder of the day on Monday and for Tuesday.
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The investigation into the apparent murder-suicide is ongoing.
Rice University is offering counseling services to those impacted by the tragedy.
“In moments like these, our strength, care and resilience as a community are more important than ever,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said in a statement to the campus community on Monday. “Please take care of yourselves and each other.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse by an intimate partner, help is available at the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Call 800-799-7233 or text “BEGIN” to 88788.
