Rice University student found shot to death in dorm room

BALTIMORE — A student atRice University in Houston was found dead in her dorm room Monday, the first day of classes, the school’s president said in a letter to the campus community.
President Reginald DesRoches said Rice University Police responded to a welfare check on Monday afternoon and found Andrea Rodriguez Avila, a junior believed to be from Maryland, dead in her room, along with a man who was not a student. DesRoches said the man had a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police said that the man, who is believed to be from Florida, and Avila were dating, the Washington Post reported. Officers found a note they believe was written by the alleged shooter that indicated “this male did shoot our student, the Post reported.
Classes were canceled Tuesday, while the campus remained open for students and teachers to “come together as a community” and “spend time with each other to mourn.”
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“This is a heartbreaking, devastating incident, and it is important to recognize that this loss will affect our close-knit community in the days and weeks ahead,” DesRoches wrote in the letter. “Tonight, I want our students, parents and Rice community to know that our campus is safe, that there is no further threat and that we are wrapping our arms around you with care and concern.”
Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez said at a news conference that he believed the junior was from Maryland, according to a video recording from a local TV news station. He did not have her exact age. Police and university spokespeople did not immediately return requests for comment Tuesday.
Rodriguez said the relationship between the man and the student still was under investigation, but said they knew each other. Police believe she gave him access to her room. The chief said a note written by the suspect was recovered by police that detailed a “troubled relationship.”
Students in need of support were urged by Rice University to call Wellbeing at 713-348-3311, a 24/7 line.