BROOKLINE, Mass. – Authorities are looking into the shooting death of a professor from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who was discovered in his apartment earlier this week.
Nuno F.G. Loureiro, 47, was found shot in his Brookline residence on Monday night, and he later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital on Tuesday morning, according to a statement from the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors reported that officers from the Brookline Police Department responded to a call about a shooting inside an apartment building. Loureiro was declared dead the following morning.
Shooting Investigation Underway
This tragic incident took place in Brookline, an affluent suburb just a few miles from Boston. Currently, the police are investigating it as a homicide, but no suspects have been apprehended.
The Brookline Police and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office are collaborating on the case, with state police indicating that the investigation remains active. “We are still working to gather more information,” Police Chief Jennifer Peyster stated, adding that there will be increased police presence in the area during this time.
An eyewitness, Louise Cohen, who lives above Loureiro, reported hearing several gunshots while she was lighting candles that evening. Upon checking, she found Loureiro lying at the entrance of his apartment and quickly called 911.
“I can’t sleep right now,” Cohen expressed in an interview, “This family is so wonderful. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to harm him.”
Separate Incident in Rhode Island
Interestingly, Loureiro’s death coincides with an ongoing investigation in Providence, Rhode Island, where a gunman shot and killed two students and injured nine others at Brown University. However, Boston FBI Special Agent Ted Docks stated that no connections have been found between the two incidents.
Loureiro joined MIT in 2016, later becoming the director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center, focusing on clean energy technologies. He led one of the largest labs at the institution, overseeing a team of over 250 researchers and students.
The community has shown immense support in the wake of this tragedy. On Tuesday night, a vigil was held, where around 20 people gathered to remember Loureiro, many in tears. They held candles and shared hugs, grief washing over the gathering so soon after the incident.
A student recounted how he had a close relationship with Loureiro, describing him as warm and welcoming, even despite his own unpunctuality in past meetings. “He was always very kind and charming,” he reflected.
Attendees expressed their sadness over the situation, referring to the shooting as senseless and wishing the best for Loureiro’s family, who are now mourning. Many friends noted how much joy he brought to those around him. Eurydice Hershey, a local resident, described Loureiro’s family as having three children, and she noted how much they contributed positively to the community.
As MIT faculty and community members process this loss, expressions of shock and condolences have flooded in. The university has stated its commitment to offer support to those affected by this tragedy. “We are deeply saddened by this loss and are providing care for all who knew Professor Loureiro,” a spokesperson shared.
Loureiro was well-respected in his field, having studied physics in Portugal and later earning a Ph.D. from Imperial College London. His contributions to science were celebrated widely, and he will be missed by many.
