HOUSTON — A Rice University junior was shot to death at her campus dorm Monday, according to campus officials. A non-student was also found dead in the dorm with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators said there was no sign of forced entry into the dorm room. Rice University Police Chief Clemete Rodriguez said it appears that the student, identified as Andrea Rodriguez Avila, let the shooter inside. Rodriguez also said the 22-year-old shooter left a note behind detailing his troubled relationship with Avila. The two had been dating, according to the Houston Police Department.
"In general terms, it was a lot about their relationship and obviously, they were having a troubled relationship at this time," Rodriguez said.
It happened at Jones College, which is near the intersection of Main Street and Sunset Boulevard.
Monday was the first day of class for the fall semester.
Rice University President Reginald DesRoche said the discovery was made during a welfare check around 4:30 p.m.
Rodriguez said Avila, 21, was from Maryland and they think the shooter was from Florida.
They started checking on Avila when a family member called asking for a welfare check. University officials checked and saw Avila hadn't gone to class on Monday so they went to her dorm to check on her. That's when the discovery was made.
They said there were no previous issues at Avila's dorm.
The university president says the school is flying Andrea's family to Houston from Maryland.
Officials said resources would be available for students on campus and Tuesday classes would be canceled.
An alert went out to students telling them to stay in their rooms on Monday afternoon. Faculty and staff members were also told to shelter in place until further notice. That order was lifted a little before 7 p.m. All classes and activities for the rest of the day were canceled.
Read President DesRoches full message to the community he posted Monday night:
"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. Instead, we find ourselves mourning the loss of one of our own in a tragic event that has shaken our campus to its core.
"As Dean of Undergraduates Bridget Gorman shared earlier, Rice University Police responded to a welfare check this afternoon and found junior Andrea Rodriguez Avila deceased in her Jones College room, along with an unidentified male with a self-inflicted gunshot wound who was not a member of the Rice community. This is a heartbreaking, devastating incident, and it is important to recognize that this loss will affect our close-knit community in the days and weeks ahead.
"Tonight, I want our students, parents and Rice community to know that our campus is safe, that there is no further threat and that we are wrapping our arms around you with care and concern. As a parent of a past Rice student, I can only imagine how devastating this must be – to Andrea’s family and our community.
"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.
"All classes will be canceled tomorrow, Aug. 27, but our campus will be very much open. We encourage you to come together as a community, spend time with each other to mourn and use the campus resources available for counseling.
"Rice’s culture of care is particularly strong during times of tragedy, and there are a number of resources available to help you cope with the emotions that may arise in the wake of this horrific event. If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to your college magisters, RAs, coordinator, or any of the staff from the Rice Counseling Center and Wellbeing Office. Students in need of support, please contact Wellbeing at 713-348-3311 — this number is available 24/7. Faculty and staff in need of support can meet in person with representatives from the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday in the Rice Memorial Center Chapel. Faculty and staff can also speak with EAP representatives 24/7 at 888-881-5462. We are here to support you, and no one should feel alone during this time.
"In moments like these, our strength, care and resilience as a community are more important than ever. Please take care of yourselves and each other. Let us honor Andrea’s memory by coming together in unity and compassion."
Here's the update provided on Monday night:
Resources for victims of domestic or family violence
Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.
The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at 281-446-2615.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 88788.