Rice University lockdown after two found dead on campus
University investigates deaths of student and man at Jones College dorm
Rice University experienced a nearly two-hour lockdown on the first day of classes as authorities investigated the deaths of two individuals, including a student. The incident occurred at Jones College, a residential hall on the eastern side of the Houston campus.
A female student was discovered dead in her dorm room at Jones College, according to university spokesperson Chris Stipes. There were no indications of forced entry into the room.
A male, believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was also found. Investigators suspect the man was not a student. The relationship between the man and the student remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether he was inside the dorm room. The university confirmed that police are investigating the incident as a potential homicide.
Rice U murder-suicide: Acc to Rice, victim is Andrea Rodriguez Avila. She was found shot to death in her dorm room. Unidentified male was also found w/ a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police say he left a note & they had a relationship. Rice is flying her parents out tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VFjv0u8hck
— Jessica Willey (@ImJessicaWilley) August 27, 2024
Shortly after the shelter-in-place order was issued at 5:40 p.m. CT, all remaining classes and campus activities were canceled. The lockdown was lifted at 7:18 p.m., as announced on the university’s social media.
The investigation is being led by the Rice University Police Department, with assistance from the Houston Police Department. Jones College is one of Rice’s 11 residential colleges, where students are randomly assigned to live throughout their undergraduate years. Further updates will follow as the story develops.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ABC7 Chicago reports on a shooting at Rice University in Houston, where a female student was killed by a non-student who later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.(read more)
- KHOU reports that Rice University is investigating a potential homicide at Jones College, near Main Street and Sunset Boulevard, with students and faculty sheltering in place.(read more)
- ABC13 reports that Rice University has issued a shelter in place order after a potential homicide at Jones College, with police investigating the shooting reported at 5:05 p.m. at 6200 Main St.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened at Rice University on the first day of classes?
A female student was found shot dead in her dorm room, and a male was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Was the male found dead at Rice University a student?
No, investigators do not believe the male was a student.
Were there signs of forced entry in the dorm room where the student was found dead?
No, there were no signs of forced entry.
How long was the lockdown at Rice University?
The lockdown lasted nearly two hours.
Who is leading the investigation into the shooting at Rice University?
The Rice University Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the Houston Police Department.
