Rice University student apparently killed in murder-suicide in dorm

This story mentions suicide and possible domestic violence. If you are at risk of suicide, please stop here and contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to supportAnyone affected by domestic violence can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or participate in a virtual chat on their website.

At Rice University in Houston, a student was found dead in what appeared to be a suicide, after which the university was sealed off for nearly two hours, according to officials.

“It is with profound sadness and shock that I write to you on what should have been a day of promise and new beginnings,” university President Reginald DesRoches said in an email to the Rice community that was forwarded to USA TODAY. “Instead, we mourn the loss of one of our own in a tragic event that has shaken our campus to its core.”

On Monday afternoon, the first day of the university's fall semester, Rice University police responded to a wellness investigation shortly before 4 p.m. local time, DesRoches said at a press conference recorded that evening and shared by Fox 26 Houston. They then found the victim's body in her room at the home of an unidentified man with no connection to the university.

The suspected shooter also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“Tonight we will embrace our students,” university President Reginald DesRoches said that same evening at a press conference Monday that was recorded and broadcast by Fox 26 Houston.

DesRoches confirmed that there is no immediate threat on the university campus and asked the public to keep the university staff in their prayers.

Classes were cancelled on Monday and Tuesday, but the campus remains open.

“We encourage you to come together as a community, spend time together to grieve, and utilize the counseling resources available on campus,” DesRoches wrote in his email.

USA TODAY has reached out to Rice University police for more information.

According to the university, Andrea Rodriguez Avila was in her third year at the university.

The suspect left a note at the crime scene indicating that the two were in a relationship, CNN reported.

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Support for university students and staff following the tragedy

The university has set up a call center to help students and members of the Rice community, according to a Facebook post from the university.

Those in the community needing assistance following Monday's events can call 888-282-2703 or 262-333-1745.

Students needing support can also contact Wellbeing 24 hours a day at 713-348-3311, and faculty and staff can call the Employee Assistance Program from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time, DesRoches' email said.

“I urge you to hold each other up, offer support and compassion, and remember that we are all united in our grief and sorrow,” DesRoches wrote.

Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can call or text 988, and people experiencing domestic violence can National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Julia is a trends reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered a variety of topics, from local business and government in her hometown of Miami to technology and pop culture. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on X, formerly Twitter, Instagram And TikTok: @juliamariegz