What we know about the Rice University student who was apparently killed in a subsequent suicide on campus

HOUSTON – More information is available on the student who was found dead in her Rice University dorm room Monday afternoon.

The student, now identified as Andrea Rodriguez Avila, was a third-year student from Maryland.

Avila’s family arrived in Houston Tuesday morning and received support from university administration. The family asked for privacy while they mourn their loss.

This is what we know about Avila

A native of Nottingham, Maryland, she attended the Community College of Baltimore County, where she was active in many organizations, including the college-wide Student Programming Board, the Multicultural Student Association, the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and the First Year Experience Mentor program.

Avila transferred to Rice University in the spring of 2024, where she studied political science and law. During her studies, she served as an alternate parliamentarian for the Rice Student Association, an academic advisor at Jones College (dormitory), and a member of the university’s honors council.

The Community College of Baltimore County issued the following statement to KPRC 2 regarding Avila’s death:

“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 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.”

What happened to Avila?

According to police, Avila’s parents called campus police after not hearing from their daughter, and a welfare check was conducted at Jones College, a residential building on campus.

When campus police entered Avila’s dorm, they found her dead from a gunshot wound. They also found a man, who was not a student at the university, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators reportedly found a note that led them to believe the shooting was a murder-suicide.

The man, whose identity has not yet been established, is believed to be from Florida and was visiting Avila. It is unclear how long the two were in the room before they were found.

Rice University has set up a call center for students who need support in coping with the tragedy.

KPRC 2 News has created a series, “Break out”, which covers domestic violence and its horrific consequences. The series presented various stories of survival, heartbreak, and some even ending in death, but each included a list of free resources on domestic violence explaining how to get help.

Know someone who needs help? KPRC 2 has published the following features in Breaking Free.

If you need immediate help, you can also call the following numbers:

• If you are in immediate danger, call 911.