Rice University in Houston was rocked on the first day of classes for the fall semester by a murder that appeared to be followed by suicide.

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

In a letter to the Rice community, the university’s dean of undergraduate studies, Bridget Gorman, identified the student as Andrea Rodriguez Avila.

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

“There were no signs of a violent break-in into her room,” Gorman wrote. “Rest assured that the RUPD is working with the Houston Police Department and that our campus is safe.”

Gorman said the community was mourning “the loss of a wonderful person who was taken from us far too soon.”

Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez said Avila, a third-year student from Maryland, and the suspected shooter had “a 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 said “they had a troubled relationship.”

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

FILE – A college student was found dead in her Rice University dorm room on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. She was apparently killed in what turned out to be a murder-suicide. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

“A family member hadn’t heard from our student Andrea and wanted to check on her – make sure she was OK – so we headed out to do that,” Rodriguez said during a Monday night press conference broadcast by FOX 26 Houston.

Police found 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 a heartbreaking discovery.

As the incident unfolded, the school rapidly posted updates on its X account.

“RUPD is investigating a possible homicide at Jones College. All students should remain in their rooms until further notice. Faculty and staff should stay home until further notice,” the school wrote around 6 p.m.

About 45 minutes later, the curfew was lifted. The school announced that all classes and activities for the day were cancelled.

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Rice University has 11 separate residence halls. The school’s website describes the system as “vibrant communities where students live, eat, 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 per year.