Rice University Student Found Dead in Dorm Room from Apparent Murder-Suicide

An investigation is under way in Houston after a Rice University junior waws found dead in her dorm room Monday afternoon.

Authorities made entry into Andrew Rodriguez Avila’s dorm room after a family member contacted the school, saying they hadn’t heard from her and asking for a welfare check. Avila was from Maryland, KTRK reported.

“This is a speech that no president wants to make,” university president Reginald DesRoches told reporters. “We are communicating with Andrea’s parents and are flying them out tomorrow morning.”

Officials said that Avila missed at least one class on Monday.

Officials also found a man, who was not a student, dead in the room from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Campus police said the two had been in a dating relationship.

The gunman also left a note complaining about their troubled relationship. His identity has not been released, but officials said he was also not a registered visitor and likely gained access to the dorm by entering with Avila.

The university cancelled classes on Tuesday, and DesRoches said counseling was available for students.

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[Featured image: Rice University/Google Maps]