New information has surfaced regarding the Rice University student fatally shot in an apparent murder-suicide that shocked the prestigious Houston institution on the first day of classes.
Andrea Rodriguez Avila, 21, was a junior studying political science and pre-law, originally from Nottingham, Maryland. She had transferred to Rice in spring 2024 from the Community College of Baltimore County.
Avila was a distinguished student, serving as deputy parliamentarian of the Rice Student Association, a peer academic advisor at Jones College, and a member of the university’s Honor Council.
The university confirmed that Avila’s family arrived in Houston on Tuesday morning following the incident.
A university spokesperson stated that the family is receiving support from the university’s leadership during this difficult period. They have requested privacy as they grieve but appreciate the community’s thoughts and prayers.
University police found Avila deceased in her dorm room on Monday after a welfare check was conducted due to her family’s inability to contact her.
A man, not affiliated with the university, was also found dead in the room from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.
Houston police have not yet disclosed the identity of the suspected shooter, identified as a 22-year-old believed to be from Florida. His identity will be confirmed by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez stated that Avila and the man were in a dating relationship.
A note at the scene suggested the relationship was troubled, police reported.
This incident has deeply affected the Rice community at the beginning of the fall semester.
Rice University President Reginald DesRoches acknowledged the campus has been profoundly shaken on what should have been a day of promise and new beginnings.
DesRoches expressed that the pain felt on campus is immense, and words cannot fully convey the sorrow and grief. He encouraged the community to support each other and remember their shared grief and care.
Classes were suspended on Tuesday.
Rice University, with approximately 8,500 students, has an annual tuition of about $60,000.
What Other Media Are Saying
- WJZ reports that Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a Rice University student, was found murdered in her dorm room on the first day of classes, alongside a gunman believed to have committed a murder-suicide. (read more)
- The Washington Post reports that Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a student from Maryland, was found fatally shot inside her Rice University dorm room, with authorities believing that her alleged shooter also took their own life in an apparent murder-suicide incident on the first day of classes. (read more)
- WBALTV reports that Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a Maryland native and Rice University student, was killed in an apparent murder-suicide in her dorm room, alongside her boyfriend who suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Andrea Rodriguez Avila?
Andrea Rodriguez Avila was a 21-year-old junior political science and pre-law major at Rice University.
What happened to Andrea Rodriguez Avila?
Andrea Rodriguez Avila was found dead in her dorm room in an apparent murder-suicide on the first day of classes.
Who was the suspected shooter?
The suspected shooter was a 22-year-old man from Florida who was not a student at Rice University.
How has Rice University responded to the incident?
Classes were canceled, and the university’s leadership team is supporting Avila’s family during this time.
What was Andrea Rodriguez Avila’s involvement at Rice?
Avila was deputy parliamentarian of the Rice Student Association, a peer academic advisor, and a member of the Honor Council.