HOUSTON, Tx. — A Nottingham woman was shot to death inside her college dorm room in Texas Monday.
Andrea Rodriguez Avila's body was discovered inside the Jones College residential hall on the campus of Rice University in Houston, Texas.
Inside the dorm next to her was the body of an unidentified man who appeared to suffer a self inflicted gunshot wound.
University President Reginald DesRoches said the man was not affiliated with the university.
In a statement to WMAR Sunday, Andrea's family says that she and the shooter were not in a relationship.
Our family is devastated after the loss of our beautiful Andrea. She was a loving, caring, humble and intelligent gift to the world who made everyone feel special. We all know that Andrea was the special one who impressed everyone she met with her independence and sweet spirit. Andrea came to Rice to accomplish her dreams of helping others and changing the world through her career goal of working for the United Nations. Born in Honduras, she lived in Spain and Maryland where she immersed herself school activities, spoke multiple languages and was recognized with many awards. She was an academic achiever who worked hard to transition from Community College of Baltimore County to Rice. She had a wonderful community at both schools.
We want Andrea’s life and tragedy of her death to make a difference. As someone who helped others, we ask that her fellow students and friends help celebrate her memory by caring for others. As grieving parents, we ask other parents to keep communicating with your children about all relationships and pay close attention to all concerns. As a family, we strongly disagree with the news reports stating there was a relationship between Andrea and the shooter. Her precious life was lost to horrific violence at the hands of one man who is solely responsible.
We ask for privacy at this time as we cherish Andrea's memory and celebrate the life of our daughter, granddaughter, big sister, niece, cousin and friend.
This led police to investigate the shootings as a murder suicide.
The incident happened as students were wrapping up their first day back to class.
A shelter in place was ordered on campus for over an hour Monday evening, so police could assure there was no active threat.
Classes were canceled Tuesday as well for the college community to heal.
Avila was a junior at the university, studying political science and pre-law.
She transferred there in Spring of 2024 after graduating from Community College of Baltimore County in 2023.
Avila was part of Perry Hall High School's graduating class of 2021.
Her family arrived in Houston Tuesday to begin making funeral arrangements.
Rice says Avila was active in several university organizations, including the Honor Council, Multicultural Student Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and the First Year Experience Mentor program.
She was also Deputy parliamentarian of the Rice Student Association, and a peer academic advisor within her dormitory.
"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," said DesRoches. "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. As a parent of a past Rice student, I can only imagine how devastating this must be – to Andrea’s family and our community."
If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233.
If you need to talk to someone, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or text "HOME" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
