A photo has been taken of the 21-year-old Rice University student who was shot and killed on the first day of school in a murder-suicide case.
Andrea Rodriguez Avila was a junior political science and law student from Maryland who had transferred from the Community College of Baltimore County to Rice University in the spring.
She had a promising future, her friends and colleagues say, as an associate congresswoman for the Rice Student Association, as a student counselor for her dormitory and as a member of the university’s honor society. FOX News reports.
Avila was also active in many organizations at Baltimore Community College, including a college-wide student programming council, the Multicultural Student Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and the First Year Experience mentoring program, according to Click 2 Houston.
But Avila’s life was tragically cut short when she was found dead in her dorm room by Rice University police at 4:30 p.m. CT on Monday. Her family members had requested a welfare check, and officers had noticed she had missed classes that day.
Andrea Rodriguez Avila, 21, was found dead in her dorm room by Rice University police on Monday
Police suspect she died in a murder-suicide committed by an unidentified 22-year-old Florida woman with whom she was in a relationship.
He was found dead next to Avila, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to Fox26, a note from the shooter was also found, in which he claimed the couple had a troubled relationship.
Based on the letter, detectives suspect the man shot Avila before shooting himself.
Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez said, “Overall, it was all about their relationship and it was clear they were in a difficult relationship at the time.”
His identity will not be released until it is verified by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Police suspect she was killed in a murder-suicide committed by an unknown 22-year-old from Florida, with whom she was in a relationship
A police unit vehicle is parked after the suspected murder-suicide on Monday
Meanwhile, Avila’s death has shocked the school community.
“The whole department was really shocked by it,” said Pamela DeLa Cruz, a PhD student in the same department. told ABC 13.
“There are students who say they felt terrible when they saw her name, because they had taught her last year.”
The Community College of Baltimore County also released a statement, saying: “We are heartbroken 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 in Texas was put on lockdown for nearly two hours as students attended their first day of classes following the tragic discovery
Avila’s family arrived in Houston Tuesday morning and is asking for privacy as they grieve.
‘[Avila’s family] receives support from the university’s leadership team during this extraordinarily challenging time,” Rice University officials said.
“They have asked for privacy as they grieve their loss, but are deeply grateful for the outpouring of thoughts and prayers from the community.”
Rice University in Texas was placed on lockdown for nearly two hours as students attended their first day of classes following the tragic discovery.
The school remained closed Tuesday as Rice University police continued their investigation into the murder-suicide with assistance from Houston police.