The family of a Rice University student from Baltimore County who was killed in her dormitory room released a statement, remembering their 21-year-old as an intelligent, loving and caring leader to all who knew her.
Political science junior Andrea Rodriguez Avila was found dead on Monday in her Jones College Residential Hall dorm room, where she served as a peer academic adviser. Her family had not heard from her and requested a welfare check. She never made it to her classes on the first day of the fall semester, as far as the family knows.
“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,” Avila’s family said. “We all know that Andrea was the special one who impressed everyone she met with her independence and sweet spirit.”
Rice University Police Chief Clemente Rodriguez said Avila was discovered alongside a 22-year-old gunman, who was not affiliated with the university. Authorities suspect the gunman killed her and then took his own life. A note describing a relationship with Avila was found near their bodies, but Avila’s family does not believe the two dated.
“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,” according to a statement from the family.
Avila attended Rice, in Houston, after transferring from the Community College of Baltimore County. She had dreams of helping others and changing the world through her career goal of working for the United Nations, her family said.
Born in Honduras, Avila lived in Spain and Nottingham, Maryland, where she immersed herself in school activities, spoke multiple languages and was recognized with many awards, her family added. She graduated from Perry Hall High School in 2021.
Her family said she was an academic achiever who worked hard to transition from CCBC to Rice. “She had a wonderful community at both schools,” they said, adding that they want her life and the tragedy of her death to make a difference.
“We ask that her fellow students and friends help celebrate her memory by caring for others. ... Her precious life was lost to horrific violence at the hands of one man who is solely responsible,” Avila‘s family said.
A vigil will be held to honor Avila’s life on the CCBC Essex campus on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
“Let us come together to support one another and remember the life of this bright young woman whose time with us was cut tragically too short,” read a CCBC post on social media.
