Shooting at Rice University: Student found dead in dorm, man with self-inflicted gunshot wound

HOUSTON – Authorities are currently conducting an investigation after they found a Rice University student dead in her dormitory.

Authorities responded to a welfare check at around 4 p.m. on Monday.

School officials said Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a third-year student at Jones College who is believed to be from Maryland, was found dead in her room on campus. A man who was not a student was also found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators on site determined that Andrea was the victim of a murder, school officials said in a statement to the Rice community.

Officials said the welfare check came after a family member had not heard from Avila and requested that authorities check on her.

School officials said they checked to see if she was attending classes and found that she had not shown up for class or had missed a class today.

Authorities later entered the scene and found her there.

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Based on the evidence available, Rice University police believed the two were in a relationship.

Officials said the shooter, who may be from Florida, was not a registered visitor and most likely gained access to the dorm by entering with Avila.

Also found was a note that officials said came from the shooter. Officials said the general summary of the note was that the two had a troubled relationship.

Authorities added that anyone in a troubled relationship can contact the SAFE office on campus.

The identity of the shooter has not yet been disclosed.

FOX 26 has learned that school officials have confirmed the cancellation of classes for Tuesday, August 27.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.