Rice University in Houston was rocked on the first day of classes for the fall semester by a murder that appeared to be followed by suicide.
A female student was found dead in her dorm room during a welfare check by university police. A man who was not a student at the university was also found dead in the room. He had apparently inflicted a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Fox News Digital confirmed.
In a letter to the Rice community, the university's dean of undergraduate studies, Bridget Gorman, identified the student as Andrea Rodriguez Avila.
Gorman said the man found dead next to her “may have known Andrea.”
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An ambulance on site at Rice University in Houston. (FOX 26 Houston)
“There were no signs of forced entry into her room,” Gorman continued. “Rest assured that the RUPD is working with the Houston Police Department and that our campus is safe.”
Gorman said the community was mourning “the loss of a wonderful person who was taken from us far too soon.”
As the incident unfolded, the school rapidly posted updates on its X account.
“RUPD is investigating a possible homicide at Jones College. All students should remain in their rooms until further notice. Faculty and staff should remain home until further notice,” the school wrote around 6:30 p.m. local time.
About 45 minutes later, the curfew was lifted. The school announced that all classes and activities for the day were cancelled.
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Rice University has 11 separate residence halls. The school's website describes the system as “vibrant communities where students live, eat, and interact with peers, faculty, staff, and alumni.”
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Rice is a small school with about 8,500 students. Tuition is about $60,000 per year.
