A student from Rice University reportedly met their demise in an apparent act of murder-suicide, as per authorities, resulting in a campus-wide lockdown on the initial day of classes.
The form of Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a junior student at Rice University, was discovered by university authorities following a request for a welfare check by a concerned relative, who noticed she hadn't attended class on Monday. As per Chief Clemente Rodriguez of the Rice University Police Department.
The suspected killer, an unnamed male individual with no apparent ties to the university, was also found in the same room, having taken his own life with a gunshot.
According to a note left at the scene by the suspect, it's believed he first shot Avila and then turned the gun on himself. The note hinted at a tumultuous romantic relationship between the two.
Rice University President Reginald DesRoches addressed the tragic incident, saying, "This is a message no president wants to deliver." He proceeded to reassure students, parents, and the entire Rice community that the campus was secure, and there was no imminent danger. He further added, "Tonight, we will embrace our students."
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect may have accompanied Avila into her residence hall, Jones College, with no signs of forced entry reported earlier.
The tragic discovery led to a university-wide lockdown around 5:40 p.m. CT, which also resulted in the cancellation of all remaining classes and activities for the day.
The lockdown was lifted at 7:18 p.m., according to the university announcement.
The Rice University Police Department is spearheading the investigation, with assistance from the Houston Police Department.
Jones College, where Avila resided, is one of the 11 residential colleges that accommodate Rice University's undergraduate population. Upon enrollment, students are randomly assigned to a residential college, where they stay throughout their undergraduate journey.
Avila's parents are now in contact with the university and are scheduled to fly to Houston tomorrow, DesRoches confirmed.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated accordingly.
The Rice University community is deeply saddened by this incident, and we are all concerned about each other. Us students are coming together to support each other during this difficult time.
The university authorities are working closely with the Rodriguez family to provide them with all necessary assistance and support during this tragedy.
