A tragic event unfolded on the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas on August 26, 2024, when a junior student, Andrea Rodriguez Avila, was found dead in her dormitory room. Authorities are currently treating the case as a murder-suicide.
Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez reported that Avila, a 21-year-old student from Maryland, was found dead along with a male identified as Habeneyom Belai, 22, who appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The bodies were discovered in Jones College, a residential hall on the campus, following a request for a welfare check from Avila’s family after she failed to attend her first day of fall semester classes. Upon entering the room, officers discovered the deceased bodies of Avila and Belai, who was not a Rice University student. The absence of any signs of forced entry has led investigators to surmise that Avila might have allowed the suspect into her room.
A note written by Belai was found at the scene, describing their relationship and problems between the two individuals. Chief Rodriguez mentioned that the investigation had revealed hints of discord in their relationship and affirmed that the investigation is still underway.
Expressing deep regret over the incident, Rice University President Reginald DesRoches acknowledged the long-term impact this tragedy will have on the tight-knit campus community. He pledged the university’s full support to Andrea Rodriguez Avila’s family during this trying period and ensured the provision of necessary resources for the student body and staff.
President DesRoches reassured the Rice community of their safety, stating no ongoing threat was detected. He urged the community to stand together in their shared grief, extending comfort and support to each other while coping with the upcoming difficult days and weeks.
Reflecting on the immense pain felt across the campus, DesRoches, a parent himself, acknowledged that he could only begin to empathize with the profound sorrow Andrea’s family and the community are enduring.
In response to the incident, a shelter-in-place order was issued across the campus. This order remained in effect for nearly two hours while police secured the area. Classes were canceled for the remainder of the day and the following Tuesday to allow the community time to process the event.
The Rice University Police Department, assisted by the Houston Police Department, continues to probe the circumstances leading up to the unfortunate incident. Further details about the male suspect remain undisclosed at this time.
