HOUSTON – The family of the Rice University student who was killed in an apparent murder-suicide releases a statement regarding the recent tragic event.
Andrea Rodriguez Avila, 21, who university leaders said was a junior at Rice from Maryland, was found dead after being shot multiple times Monday inside her dorm room.
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The body of 22-year-old Habeneyom Belai was also found with a single gunshot wound to the head, which examiners confirmed was self-inflicted.
Andrea’s family described her as a loving, caring, humble and intelligent gift to the world who made everyone feel special. She impressed everyone she met with her independent nature and sweet spirit.
The student transferred to Rice University in Spring of 2024 where she majored in political science, pre-law to accomplish her dreams of helping others and changing the world through her career goal of working for the United Nations.
Andrea was born in Honduras and lived in Spain and Maryland before residing in Houston. She was very active in school activities at Community College of Baltimore County including the college-wide student programming board, Multicultural Student Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and the First Year Experience Mentor program.
At Rice University, she was a deputy parliamentarian of the Rice Student Association, peer academic advisor at Jones College (residential hall), and a member of the university’s Honor Council.
Her family stated that she spoke multiple languages and was recognized with many awards.
The family also disagreed with reports that stated there was a relationship between Andrea and the gunman. They have continued to ask for privacy to mourn.
Read the family’s full statement below:
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 in school activities, spoke multiple languages and was recognized with many awards. She was an academic achiever who worked hard to transition from the Community College of Baltimore County to Rice. She had a wonderful community at both schools.
We want Andrea’s life and the 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, big sister, niece, cousin and friend.