Houston, TX — A devastating incident occurred on the first day of classes at Rice University when a female student, identified as Andrea Rodriguez Avila, was shot and killed in her dorm room. The suspect, an unidentified male who was not affiliated with the university, was found dead at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities.
University police responded to a welfare check request around 4:30 p.m. on Monday after Avila’s family reported they had not heard from her. Upon entering her dorm room, officers discovered the tragic scene. Rice University President Reginald DesRoches and Chief of Police Clemente Rodriguez addressed the media, confirming the details.
A note, believed to have been written by the suspect, was found at the scene, shedding light on the nature of their troubled relationship. Police believe the incident was an apparent murder-suicide.
“This is a speech that no president ever wants to make,” DesRoches said, expressing his deep sorrow over the loss of one of their students. “Rice campus is safe, and there is no immediate threat to the community. We will wrap our arms around our students during this difficult time.”
The university issued a shelter-in-place order for students and staff, which was lifted around 7 p.m. Classes and activities for the remainder of the day were canceled as the community grappled with the tragic event.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and are in communication with Avila’s family, who are being flown to Houston. Further details about the suspect have not been released.
This tragic incident has left the Rice University community in shock, as they come together to mourn the loss of a bright student whose life was cut short in such a senseless manner.