Rice University Student Dies in Murder-Suicide On First Day Of Class

Houston authorities retrieved a note "written by the suspect" at the scene

Source: Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images / Getty

Houston authorities have confirmed the worst: On Monday (Aug 25), a female student was found dead inside her dorm room. A male was also found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The woman was identified as Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a junior at Jones College. A welfare check was performed after her family said they had not heard from Avila in some time. It was during the wellness check that her body was discovered.

News of the incident was confirmed via the university’s official Twitter page as they canceled all classes, events and told faculty to shelter in place and students to stay in their rooms “until further notice” Monday evening.

Houston authorities retrieved a note “written by the suspect” at the scene, the chief said.

From Fox 26:

School officials said they checked for her classes to see if she attend, and it was determined that she had not gone to class, or missed a class today. Authorities later made entry and that’s where she was found. Rice University Police said based on the evidence, the two were in a dating relationship.

The suspected shooter is not a student of the university and is believed to be from Florida. It is said that he likely gained entry to the dorm by accompanying Avila inside. The note left by the man suggested the pair were having struggles within their relationship.

Classes at Rice began Monday and are suspended today.