Rice University shooting: Small Houston school rocked by apparent murder-suicide on first day of fall semester

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Female student, man found dead in dorm at Rice University

The small Houston school was rocked by a shooting on the first day of the fall semester. (VIDEO: FOX 26 Houston)

Rice University in Houston was rocked by an apparent murder-suicide on the first day of classes for the fall semester.

A female student was found dead in her dorm during a welfare check by university police. A man, who was not a student at the university, was also found dead in the room with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Fox News Digital confirmed.

In a letter to the Rice community, the school's Dean of Undergraduates Bridget Gorman identified the student as Andrea Rodriguez Avila.

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An ambulance on scene at Rice University in Houston. (FOX 26 Houston)

"There was no sign of forced entry into her room," Gorman wrote. "Please be assured that RUPD is working with Houston Police Department and that our campus is safe."

Gorman said the community was mourning "the loss of a wonderful person taken from us too soon."

Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez said Avila, a junior from Maryland, and the suspected shooter were in "a dating relationship."

Rodriguez said a note, written by the suspected shooter, was found at the scene. He said it was "a lot about their relationship" and indicated that "they were having a troubled relationship."

Police believe the suspected shooter gained access to the dorm through Avila. 

FILE- A female student was found dead in her dorm room at Rice University on Monday, August 26, 2024. She was killed in an apparent murder-suicide.  (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

"A family member had not heard from our student, Andrea, and wanted to check on her – make sure she was okay – so we proceeded to go do that," Rodriguez said during a Monday night press conference carried by FOX 26 Houston. 

Police determined that Avila had not attended any of her classes, and decided to check her dorm room around 4 p.m. local time. When police entered Avila's room, they made the heartbreaking discovery.

The school shared rapid-fire updates on its X account as the incident unfolded. 

"RUPD is investigating a potential homicide at Jones College. All students should stay in their rooms until further notice. Faculty and staff should shelter in place until further notice," the school wrote around 6 p.m.

The lockdown was lifted about 45 minutes later. The school said all classes and activities were canceled for the day.

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Rice University has 11 separate residential colleges. The school's website describes the system as "spirited communities where students live, dine and interact with peers, faculty, staff and alumni."

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Rice is a small school with about 8,500 students. Tuition is about $60,000 a year.