The 21-year-old Rice University student who was shot dead in a murder-suicide on the first day of classes has been photographed.
Andrea Rodriguez Avila was a junior majoring in political science and law from Maryland who had just transferred to Rice University from Baltimore County Community College in the spring.
She had a promising future, friends and colleagues say, as deputy parliamentarian of the Rice Student Association, academic adviser in her residence and member of the university’s Honor Council. FOX News reports.
Avila was also actively involved in many organizations at Baltimore Community College, including a college-wide student programming board, the Multicultural Student Association, the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and the First-Year Experience mentoring program. according to Click 2 Houston.
But Avila’s life was tragically cut short when Rice University police discovered her dead in her dorm room at 4:30 p.m. CT on Monday, after her relatives requested a welfare check and officers saw she had missed class that day.
Andrea Rodriguez Avila, 21, was discovered dead in her dorm room by Rice University police on Monday.
Police believe she was killed in a murder-suicide committed by an unidentified 22-year-old Florida man with whom she was in a relationship.
He was found dead next to Ávila with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to Fox26, a note written by the shooter was also found, in which he claimed the couple had a troubled relationship.
Based on the note, investigators believe the man shot Avila before turning the gun on himself.
Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez said: “Generally speaking, it was a lot about their relationship and they were obviously having a troubled relationship at the time.”
The release of his identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Police believe she was killed in a murder-suicide committed by an unidentified 22-year-old Florida man with whom she was in a relationship.
A police crime scene unit vehicle sits parked after the apparent murder-suicide on Monday.
Meanwhile, Ávila’s death has shocked the school community.
“The whole department is really surprised by this,” said Pamela DeLa Cruz, a doctoral student in the same department. he told ABC 13.
‘There are graduate students who say they felt terrible when they saw their name, who had been their professors last year.’
The Community College of Baltimore County also issued a statement saying, ‘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 student, and a mentor to many. Her infectious smile and unwavering determination inspired all who met her.
‘The CCBC community extends its deepest condolences to Andrea’s family during this difficult time.’
Rice University in Texas was placed under lockdown for nearly two hours as students attended their first day of classes following the tragic discovery.
Avila’s family arrived in Houston on Tuesday morning and is asking for privacy as they grieve.
“(The Avila family) is receiving support from the university’s leadership team during this deeply challenging time,” Rice University officials said.
“They have requested privacy as they mourn their loss, but deeply appreciate the expressions of thoughts and prayers from the community.”
Rice University in Texas was closed for nearly two hours as students attended their first day of classes following the tragic discovery.
The school remained closed Tuesday as the Rice University Police Department continues to investigate the murder-suicide with assistance from the Houston Police Department.