Rice University Student Is Reportedly Killed In Apparent Murder-Suicide On First Day Of Classes
Written by Lyndsey Havens on August 28, 2024
Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a junior student at Rice University in Houston, has reportedly been killed in an apparent murder-suicide. According to CNN, the incident occurred on the university’s first day of classes.
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More Details On The Apparent Murder-Suicide Involving Andrea Rodriguez Avila
According to the outlet, a “concerned family member” requested a wellness check be performed on Avila on Monday, August 26. CNN notes that Avila had missed her first day of classes.
Officers reportedly arrived at Avila’s dorm room and discovered her body. Additionally, they found the body of an “unidentified male” with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The outlet adds that due to a “note” found at the scene, it appears the man killed Avila before he turned the gun on himself.
According to CNN, the note “indicated the pair had been in a troubled romantic relationship.” Furthermore, Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez has reportedly explained that the main likely accompanied Avila to her dorm on the day of the fatal shooting.
Rice University Reacts To The Tragedy
CNN reports that the discovery of Avila’s body prompted a “campus-wide lockdown,” which began around 6:40 p.m.
RICE ALERT: All classes and activities have been canceled for the remainder of today. All students should stay in their rooms until further notice. Faculty and staff should shelter in place until further notice. https://t.co/7bOGTO8ZKq pic.twitter.com/ywT1heVNDR
— Rice University (@RiceUniversity) August 26, 2024
Remaining classes for the day and extracurricular activities were also suspended until the lockdown was lifted at 8:18 p.m.
RICE ALERT: The shelter-in-place has been lifted. All classes and activities remain canceled for August 26, 2024. https://t.co/7bOGTO8ZKq pic.twitter.com/OQFTqDKmEC
— Rice University (@RiceUniversity) August 27, 2024
According to the outlet, the university’s president, Reginald DesRoches, subsequently released a statement about Avila’s death.
“It is with deep sadness and shock that I write to you on what should have been a day filled with promise and new beginnings,” President DesRoches explained per USA TODAY. “Instead, we find ourselves mourning the loss of one of our own in a tragic event that has shaken our campus to its core… tonight we will wrap our arms around our students.”
Furthermore, the university announced that a “call center” had been established to support the community during the tragedy.
RICE ALERT: Rice has activated a call center to support the Rice community in a time of need. https://t.co/7bOGTO8ZKq pic.twitter.com/HhymeE2SkR
— Rice University (@RiceUniversity) August 27, 2024
Meanwhile, officers at Rice University are reportedly investigating the apparent murder-suicide with assistance from the Houston Police Department, per CNN. Classes have reportedly been canceled at the university through Tuesday.
A 25-Year-Old Was Recently Killed In An Apparent Murder-Suicide In Ohio
As The Shade Room previously reported, a 25-year-old woman named Megan Keleman was killed at a Taco Bell drive-thru in Ohio earlier this month.
Keleman had reportedly driven in front of a 53-year-old man named Jason Williams. Williams, in turn, blew his horn at Keleman’s vehicle before allegedly striking the back of her car.
The ordeal ultimately escalated with Williams exiting his vehicle and shooting the 25-year-old before turning the gun on himself.
RELATED: 25-Year-Old Ohio Woman Is Killed At Taco Bell Drive-Thru In Apparent Murder-Suicide
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