Two female college students were found dead in a dorm room at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, raising suspicions of murder-suicide.
Harry Helms and Kelsey Martin, both 22, were discovered with gunshot wounds on Monday. Helms, who was an elementary education major, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Martin, a psychology major and assistant resident director, succumbed to her injuries after being airlifted to the University of Wisconsin Hospital.
The police believe Helms sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to UW-Platteville Police Chief Joe Holman, authorities received a 911 call concerning an incident at Wilgas Hall, a residence hall on campus. Shelter-in-place orders for the dorm were lifted later that afternoon.
Witnesses reported seeing students fleeing their dorms during the incident. One resident, Elix Perdout, shared his concerns with local media, expressing sadness about the situation and its impact on their community.
Both students, originally from Beloit and Baraboo, Wisconsin respectively, were mourned in a statement by UW-Platteville Chancellor Tammy Evetovich, who urged the community to support one another during this difficult time.
In response to the tragedy, the university has canceled final exams and is offering counseling services to students and staff. The investigation remains ongoing, but university officials have not released further comments as of yet.
