Perry Hall Grad Fatally Shot At Rice University, Gunman Takes Own Life

HOUSTON, TX — A Baltimore County native was fatally shot Monday in her Rice University dorm room in Houston, college officials announced. Investigators said they also found the suspected shooter dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities identified the victim as junior Andrea Rodriguez Avila. The Baltimore Sun reported that the 21-year-old was a Nottingham native. She graduated from Perry Hall High School in 2021, WMAR said.

Avila also graduated from the Community College of Baltimore County in 2023. CCBC called it "devastating" and a "tragic loss."

CCBC Essex is holding a candlelight vigil Tuesday at 7 p.m. to remember Avila.

"Her untimely death, which has received national attention, leaves many at CCBC heartbroken. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Andrea’s family and friends during this difficult time," CCBC said Wednesday on Facebook. "Let us come together to support one another and remember the life of this bright young woman whose time with us was cut tragically too short."

Avila transferred to Rice in spring 2024, The Washington Post reported. The Post said she was a pre-law student majoring in political science.

A university spokesperson told The Post that Avila was involved in:

• The college-wide student programming board
• The Multicultural Student Association
• The Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society
• The First-Year Experience mentorship program
• Peer academic advising
• The university's Honor Council

Monday was the first day of fall classes at Rice. WJZ said Avila's family hadn't heard from her, so officers conducted a welfare check.

Rice University Police said that's when they found Avila dead in her Jones College room Monday afternoon alongside the male with the self-inflicted gunshot wound. There was no further threat to the community.

Authorities have not released the name of the deceased male, but they said he was not affiliated with the university.

Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez said it appears that Avila let the male into the room, The Post reported.

Officers said they found the shooter with a note detailing his prior relationship with Avila, WJZ reported.

"It was a lot about their relationship," Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez said, according to WJZ. "Obviously they were having a troubled relationship at this time."

Rice University canceled Tuesday classes, encouraging students to gather and support each other.

"This is a heartbreaking, devastating incident, and it is important to recognize that this loss will affect our close-knit community in the days and weeks ahead," University President Reginald DesRoches said in a press release. "I want our students, parents and Rice community to know that our campus is safe, that there is no further threat and that we are wrapping our arms around you with care and concern."