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HOUSTON — Andrea Rodríguez Ávila came to Rice University in Texas with big dreams.
She was found dead on Monday in the university residence where she also worked as an academic adviser. It was a tragic end for a young woman who was considered a rising star by her teachers and friends.
On the Rice University campus, classes were canceled again Tuesday. Monday was the first day of the fall semester before all classes and activities were canceled after the murder-suicide was discovered inside Jones College, one of 11 residential colleges on campus, the dorm where Avila lived.
According to records, Avila grew up in Maryland. She began her academic journey at Baltimore County Community College, where she earned an associate’s degree. She was then accepted into a prestigious summer internship at Johns Hopkins University, where she was part of a liberal arts group with a small group of students who would become her friends.
Ávila applied to transfer to Rice University and enrolled in Political Science last January.
“The whole department is very, very shocked about it,” said Pamela De La Cruz, a PhD student in the same department. “There are graduate students who say they felt terrible when they saw his name, that they had taught him last year. That they had taught him last semester and they were going to teach him this semester.”
Her community college, CCBC, offered the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Andrea Rodríguez Ávila, a beloved member of CCBC’s 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 police said one of Avila’s relatives called for a welfare check after being unable to contact her. Police noticed she hadn’t gone to class on Monday and made the gruesome discovery in her Jones College dorm room.
Avila was found shot to death alongside a man she was dating, police say, around 4:30 p.m. Monday. Investigators believe he took his own life after shooting her.
The shooter has not yet been identified, but authorities said he is not a Rice student.
University police said they found a note believed to have been left by the shooter. Police said they believe the shooter entered the dorm as a guest with Avila.
“We’re going to wrap our arms around our students,” said Rice President Reginald DesRoches. “As the parent of a Rice alumnus, I can only imagine how devastating this must be.”
Students told our Houston sister station ABC13 that Rice has provided them with a number of resources to cope with the tragedy.
“A lot of people helping out. They even brought dogs into each room, just in case we needed them; there were a lot of wellness resources available,” said Rice freshman Diego Delgado. “I called Mom. She was really worried. But with all the information they gave us, I was able to tell her that we’re safe and everything.”
The Houston Police Department is leading the murder-suicide investigation. Avila’s parents are in Houston and are cooperating with university officials.
If you or a loved one is ever in a domestic violence situation, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. You can also contact the Houston Area Women’s Center at 713-528-2121.
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are worried about a friend or loved one, you can get help. Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential emotional support 24/7.
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