On August 26, 2024, the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas faced tragedy when junior student Andrea Rodriguez Avila was found dead in her dorm room in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide.
Avila, 21, from Maryland, was discovered alongside an unidentified male who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez.
The discovery was made at Jones College, a residential hall on campus after Avila’s family requested a welfare check when she missed her first semester classes. Officers entered the dorm room and found the bodies of Avila and the male suspect, who was not a Rice student. Police stated that no signs of forced entry were present, leading investigators to believe that Avila had likely let the suspect into her room.
Investigators also recovered a note at the scene, which suggested the couple had been experiencing difficulties in their relationship. Chief Rodriguez stated that they had uncovered indications of issues in the couple’s relationship and noted that the investigation was still in progress.
Rice University President Reginald DesRoches expressed his deep sorrow over the loss, acknowledging that the tragedy will have a lasting impact on the close-knit campus community. He emphasized that the university is fully committed to supporting Andrea Rodriguez Avila’s family during this unimaginable time and providing the necessary resources for students and staff.
DesRoches reassured the Rice community that the campus remains safe and that there is no ongoing threat. He encouraged everyone to come together in their grief, offering support and compassion to one another as they navigate the difficult days and weeks ahead.
He continued by reflecting on the immeasurable pain felt across campus, recognizing that, as a parent himself, he can only begin to understand the devastation Andrea’s family and the community are experiencing.
The incident prompted a shelter-in-place order across the campus, which lasted nearly two hours as police secured the area. Classes were canceled for the remainder of the day and the following Tuesday to give the campus community time to process the event.
The Rice University Police Department, with the assistance of the Houston Police Department, continues to investigate the events leading up to the deaths. No further details about the suspect have been released at this time.