HOUSTON, Texas – A Rice University student was found dead in her Jones College dorm room on Monday in what is believed to be a murder-suicide.
The body of Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a third-year 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, the first day of school at the university.
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According to Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez, a note believed to have been written by Avila's shooter was found in the room, ABC13 reports. The victim and the suspected shooter, whose identity was not disclosed, reportedly had a troubled long-distance relationship.
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The man was not a student and his body was also found in Avila's dorm room. He apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, News4SA reports.
Officials believe the shooter is from Florida, Fox26Houston reports. He was not a registered visitor to Rice University or Jones College and likely came to the dorm with the victim.
Immediately after the report, Rice University issued a curfew
Authorities classify Avila's death as homicide.
Immediately after the shooting was reported, Rice University issued a curfew and classes were canceled for the rest of Monday and Tuesday.
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The investigation into the apparent murder-suicide is ongoing.
Rice University is offering counseling services to victims of 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.”
