Rice University Lockdown: Two Found Dead on First Day of Classes

Tragedy Strikes Rice University: Student Found Dead, Suspected Homicide Investigated

On the first day of classes, Rice University was thrust into chaos when a female student was found dead in her dorm room at Jones College, one of the university's residential halls. A male, who is not believed to be a student, was also found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The university was placed under lockdown for nearly two hours as police investigated what is being considered a potential homicide.

The incident began around 5:40 p.m. CT when the university issued a shelter-in-place order, effectively locking down the entire campus. This action was prompted by the discovery of the female student’s body in her dorm room. According to Rice University spokesperson Chris Stipes, there were no signs of forced entry, deepening the mystery surrounding her death.

The male, whose body was also discovered, is suspected to have died by suicide. It remains unclear whether he was found inside the dorm room or elsewhere on campus. The relationship between the two individuals has not been established, leaving investigators with more questions than answers.

As the investigation unfolded, all remaining classes and campus activities were abruptly canceled. The Rice University Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Houston Police Department. The lockdown was finally lifted at 7:18 p.m. CT, allowing students, faculty, and staff to resume their activities, albeit with a heavy heart.

Jones College is one of the 11 residential colleges at Rice University, where undergraduates are assigned for the duration of their studies. The tragic event has left the campus community in shock as they come to terms with the loss of one of their own.