2 dead in apparent murder-suicide

Two people were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide Monday on Rice University’s campus, leading to a brief shelter-in-place order for students and staff across the campus.

University officials have canceled classes Tuesday following the shooting, school spokesperson Chris Stipes confirmed.

Rice leaders said Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a junior at the university, was found dead of a gunshot wound Monday afternoon at Jones College, a residential dormitory home to undergraduate students. A man unaffiliated with the university, who hasn’t been named, was also discovered dead at the scene of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Investigators at the scene discovered a note written by the male suspect that detailed a “troubled relationship” with Avila, Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez said. He confirmed Avila and the suspect were involved in a “dating relationship.”

The male suspect was not a registered visitor with the university, and he likely entered campus with Avila, Rodriguez said. 

“Tonight, I want all of our students, our parents and the entire Rice community to know that the Rice campus is safe and there is no immediate threat,” Rice University President Reginald DesRoches said. “Tonight, we will wrap our arms around our students.”

Rodriguez said Rice students involved in a violent relationship should seek help through the university’s Safe Office, which “offers care management and navigation to students who are reporting an incident of interpersonal violence,” according to the university website. Students also have access to university-based counseling. 

Avila and the male suspect were discovered at about 4 p.m. after a member of Avila’s family requested a welfare check. After police determined that Avila had not attended an afternoon class, they visited her dorm room and discovered the scene. The Houston Police Department assisted with the investigation, an agency spokesman confirmed.  

The university issued an alert to students, faculty and staff at about 5:40 pm, urging them to shelter in place, university spokesperson Chris Stipes said. School officials canceled all classes and activities scheduled for Monday evening, and they lifted the shelter-in-place order at about 7 p.m. 

The shooting occurred on the first day of Rice’s fall semester. 

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