TRAGIC Murder-Suicide in Texas! Rice University Student and Partner Found Dead in Dorm!
A Rice University student and a non-student were found dead in a dorm room in an apparent murder-suicide, prompting a campus lockdown. 🌐 #News #HoustonTX #Texas #Tragedy
HOUSTON, TX – A tragic event unfolded at Rice University on Monday when a student was found dead in her dorm room in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide. The discovery led to a lockdown of the Houston campus on the first day of classes, as reported by university officials.
The student, Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a junior from Maryland, was found by university police after they conducted a welfare check requested by a concerned family member. Avila had not attended class, which raised concerns.
The bodies of Avila and a man who was not affiliated with the university were found in her dorm room at Jones College around 4:30 p.m., according to Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez.
Authorities believe the man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and both were declared dead at the scene.
A note, thought to be written by the man, was discovered at the scene, suggesting that the two had been involved in a romantic relationship. The note reportedly mentioned difficulties in their relationship.
The discovery led the university to issue a shelter-in-place order and cancel classes through Tuesday.
Rice University President Reginald DesRoches expressed the difficulty of addressing the campus about such a tragedy.
He assured students, parents, and the wider Rice community that the campus was safe and that the university’s priority was to support students during this challenging time. DesRoches, reflecting as a parent himself, acknowledged the devastation this news would bring.
Avila’s parents were expected to arrive in Houston on Tuesday, as noted by DesRoches.
Investigators believe that the suspect had entered the dorm as a guest of Avila, as there were no signs of forced entry. Campus police also stated that there had been no prior reports involving the couple. In the comments section below, be sure to leave a word of encouragement for the families, students and staff!
Written by JackAndKitty.com World News Reporter Todd Johnson, with additional reporting by Jack and Kitty Norton.
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