2 UW-Platteville Students Killed In Campus Murder-Suicide: Police

PLATTEVILLE, WI — Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville students are dead following a murder-suicide in a campus residence hall Monday afternoon, according to police and university officials.

Officers responded to a call for a disturbance inside Wilgus Hall just on the afternoon of May 19. Inside, they found two women with gunshot wounds.

Kelsie Martin, 22, was taken to Southwest Health and later airlifted to the UW Hospital in Madison, where she died.

Hallie Helms, 22, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to preliminary autopsy results. No other individuals are believed to be involved.

University officials confirmed that Helms, a resident of Wilgus Hall and elementary education major from Baraboo, shot and killed Martin before taking her own life. The motive remains under investigation.

Martin, a psychology major from Beloit with an emphasis in human services, had served for three years in the university’s residence life program. She was Wilgus Hall’s assistant resident director.

Earlier this year, the university featured Martin in a "Student Staff Spotlight," highlighting her passion for reading and her dream of having a personal library.

"I own over 400 books and want to have my own in-home library one day," she wrote in the spotlight.

The university thanked the community for its support.

"We are overwhelmed by your kindness," UW-Platteville officials posted on social media. "We are a close community, and this outpouring of care is a powerful reminder of who we are. We do not take it for granted. #PioneerStrong"

Campus Response And Support

In the wake of the tragedy, all remaining final exams were canceled. Students with academic questions were encouraged to contact their college’s dean’s office directly.

Counseling support is being offered widely. University Counseling is providing walk-in triage sessions through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Emotional support lines are also available 24/7 at (844) 602-6680 or (720) 272-0004. Students can continue to access support throughout the summer.

Faculty and staff may schedule appointments or attend drop-in counseling sessions through Acentra Health, with on-site services available in the Markee Pioneer Student Center.

Campus remains open, including dining services and campus facilities. Most residence hall students may check out early, though Wilgus Hall residents are being contacted separately. Textbook returns are being accepted through Friday.

The UW-Platteville Police Department is asking anyone with information about the incident to call (608) 342-1584.