This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
New details have emerged about the Rice University student who was shot and killed in an apparent murder-suicide that shocked the prestigious Houston school on its first day of classes.
Andrea Rodriguez Avila, 21, was a junior political science and law major from Nottingham, Maryland, who had recently transferred from Baltimore County Community College to Rice University in spring 2024, according to information obtained by Fox News Digital.
An outstanding student, Avila served as vice president of the Rice University Student Association, academic advisor for Jones College residence hall and a member of the university’s Honor Council.
A university spokesman confirmed that Avila's family arrived in Houston on Tuesday morning, the day after the tragedy.
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Andrea Rodriguez Avila was found dead in her dorm room at Rice University on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. A man who was not a student at the school was also found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. (Andrea Rodriguez/LinkedIn)
“[Avila’s family] “We have the support of our university leadership during this extremely difficult time, who have asked for privacy as they mourn the loss but are deeply grateful for the outpouring of thoughts and prayers from the community,” a university spokesperson said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.
Avila was found dead in her dorm room on Monday during a welfare check by university police, and her family had expressed concern about not being able to contact her.
A man, who was not a student at the university, was also found dead inside the room with a gunshot wound that appeared to be a suicide, police said.
Houston police have not yet released the identity of the suspect, who they say is a 22-year-old believed to be from Florida. The suspect's identity is pending confirmation by the Harris County Forensic Science Institute.
Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez confirmed that Avila and the man were in a “dating relationship.”
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Ambulances arrive at the scene at Rice University in Houston. (FOX 26 Houston)
Police said a note left at the scene indicated the two had been in a “troubled relationship.”
This heartbreaking crime has rocked the Rice University community during what was meant to be an exciting start to the fall semester.
Rice University President Reginald Desroches said the day was supposed to be filled with “hope and new beginnings,” but the campus has been “shaken to its core.”
FILE – An apparent murder-suicide that occurred on the first day of classes has shaken Rice University's campus “to its very core,” said university President Reginald Desroches. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
“The pain we feel on our campus tonight is immeasurable and I know words cannot fully express the sadness and grief many of you must be experiencing. I ask that you support one another, show your support and compassion, and remember that we are all connected in our grief and compassion,” Desroches said in a message posted on the school's website.
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School classes were cancelled on Tuesday.
Rice University is a small institution with only about 8,500 students. Tuition is about $60,000 per year.
