Andrea Rodriguez Avila killed: Rice classes canceled again on Tuesday after student died on campus in apparent murder-suicide

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Andrea Rodriguez Avila came to Rice University with big dreams. On Monday, she was found dead in the dormitory where she also worked as a student advisor. It was a tragic end for a young woman who was considered a rising star by her professors and friends.

On the Rice University campus, classes were canceled again Tuesday. Monday was the first day of the fall semester before all classes and activities were canceled after the murder-suicide was discovered at Jones College, one of the 11 dormitories on campus where Avila lived.

Records show that Avila grew up in Maryland. She began her academic career at the Community College of Baltimore County, where she received an associate degree. She was then accepted for a prestigious summer internship at Johns Hopkins University, where she joined a group of humanities majors who would become her friends.

Avila then applied to Rice University as a transfer student and enrolled as a political science major last January.

“The whole faculty is really, really shocked about this,” said Pamela De La Cruz, a graduate student in the same department. “There are graduate students who say they felt terrible when they heard their name, and that they had taught them last year. That they had taught them last semester and were going to teach them this semester.”

Their community college, CCBC, issued the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a beloved member of the CCBC Class of 2023. Andrea was a passionate leader, an exceptional scholar, and a mentor to many. Her infectious smile and unwavering determination inspired all who knew her. The CCBC community extends its deepest condolences to Andrea's family during this difficult time.”

Rice University police said one of Avila's relatives asked for a welfare check after being unable to reach her. Police noticed she hadn't shown up for class on Monday, then made the horrific discovery in her dorm room at Jones College.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Rice University cancels classes after student killed in dorm room, school spokesperson says

Avila was found shot to death around 4:30 p.m. on Monday next to a man she was dating, according to police. Investigators believe he took his own life after shooting her.

The shooter has yet to be identified, but authorities said he was not a Rice student.

University police said they found a note believed to have been left by the shooter. Police believe the shooter entered the dorm as a guest of Avila.

“We will embrace our students,” said Rice President Reginald DesRoches. “As the father of a former Rice student, I can only imagine how devastating this must be.”

Students told ABC13 that Rice provided them with numerous resources to help them cope with the tragedy.

“A lot of people helped. They even brought dogs to each room in case we needed them; there were a lot of wellness resources,” said Diego Delgado, a freshman at Rice. “I called mom. She was very worried. But with all the information they gave us, I was able to tell her we were safe and everything.”

Houston police are leading the investigation into the murder-suicide. Avila's parents are in Houston and are working with university administration.

If you or a loved one is ever a victim of domestic violence, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. You can also contact the Houston Area Women's Center at 713-528-2121.

If you are having suicidal thoughts or are worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential emotional support 24/7.