Family of Rice University student killed in murder-suicide says she had no connection to shooter

HOUSTON – The family of the Rice University student who was killed in an apparent murder-suicide is releasing a statement regarding the recent tragic event.

Andrea Rodriguez Avila, 21, who university officials said was a junior at Rice from Maryland, was found dead after being shot multiple times Monday in her dorm room.

The body of Habeneyom Belai, 22, was also found with a single gunshot wound to the head, which examiners confirmed was self-inflicted.

Andrea’s family describes her as a loving, caring, humble and intelligent person who made everyone feel special. She impressed everyone she met with her independent nature and gentle spirit.

The student transferred to Rice University in spring 2024 where she majored in political science, pre-law to fulfill 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 moving to Houston. She has been very active in academic activities at the Community College of Baltimore County, including the college’s Student Programming Council, the Multicultural Student Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and the First Year Experience Mentor program.

At Rice University, she served as a Rice Student Association Representative, an academic advisor at Jones College (a residence hall), and a member of the University Honor Council.

Her family said she spoke several languages ​​and had received numerous awards.

The family also expressed disagreement with reports that there was a relationship between Andrea and the shooter. They continued to ask for privacy to grieve.

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 Andrea was the special person who impressed everyone she met with her independence and sweet spirit. Andrea came to Rice to fulfill her dream 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 numerous awards. She was an academically brilliant individual who worked hard to transfer from the Community College of Baltimore County to Rice. She enjoyed 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 her classmates and friends to celebrate her memory by caring for others. As grieving parents, we ask other parents to continue to communicate with their children about all relationships and be very attentive to all concerns. As a family, we strongly disagree with the media reports that there was a relationship between Andrea and the shooter. Her precious life was lost to horrific violence at the hands of a man who is solely responsible.

We ask for your privacy at this time as we cherish Andrea’s memory and celebrate the life of our daughter, big sister, niece, cousin and friend.