Rice University student found dead in dorm room in suspected murder-suicide

A student at Rice University in Houston was found dead in a dorm room Monday, the first day of classes for the 2024-25 school year, along with a man suspected of committing a murder-suicide.

Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a junior, was found dead in one of the university’s residential colleges during a welfare check. An unidentified man unrelated to the university was also found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Rice University President Reginald DesRoches said in a message to the college community.

Her family had requested the welfare check, and Rice University Police Department personnel found her dead from a gunshot wound along with the deceased suspect at around 4:30 p.m., Mr. DesRoches said at a press conference.

There was no sign of forced entry, and the RUPD believes Ms. Avila let the suspect into the residential college. A note by him was also found.

“We did find a note. … It was a lot about their relationship. … They were having a troubled relationship. … It was a dating relationship,” RUPD Chief Clemente Rodriguez said at the press conference.

Ms. Avila hailed from Maryland. The suspect’s exact origin is unknown, but Chief Rodriguez said perhaps he came from Florida.

“The pain we feel on campus tonight is immeasurable, and I know that words cannot fully capture the sorrow and grief that many of you may be experiencing. I urge you to lean on each other, to offer support and compassion, and to remember that we are all joined in our grief and care,” Mr. DesRoches said in his message.

Classes on campus were closed Tuesday.