Rice University student shot, killed in dorm room as campus goes into lockdown

Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Students and faculty at Rice University in Houston were locked down on the first day of classes Monday after a student was found shot to death inside her dorm room.

"Rice University Police Department 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 university warned the campus at 5:40 p.m. CT.

Jones College is one of 11 residential colleges on campus that house undergraduate students.

According to a Rice spokesperson, the student was a woman. The shooter was identified as a man who did not attend Rice. He was also found dead at the scene with what police called a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The shelter-in-place was lifted after two hours, but all classes and activities were canceled for the rest of Monday.

The RUPD is leading the investigation into the potential homicide with the help of the Houston Police Department. Officers said there were no signs of forced entry into the dorm room or the building.

RUPD Chief Clemente Rodriguez later identified the student as Andrea Rodriguez Avila, adding that she had likely given the suspect access to the building. Rodriguez also confirmed that the two had been in a relationship.