HOUSTON — The parents of a Rice University student who was shot to death in her campus dorm Monday say their daughter was a "gift to the world" who made everyone feel special.
Andrea Rodriguez Avila, 21, and a male non-student were found dead in her room at Jones College on the first day of the fall semester. Police said Habeneyom Belai, 22, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after killing Avila. He left a note about their troubled relationship, according to the Rice University police chief. But Avila's family said Thursday that they don't believe their daughter was in a relationship with Belai.
According to university officials, Avila was a junior, pre-law student at Rice majoring in political science.
On Thursday, the young woman's heartbroken parents released a statement about their daughter.
"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."
The university flew the family to Houston from Maryland.
What we know about Andrea Rodriguez Avila
Avila was from Nottingham, Maryland, and transferred to Rice last spring semester from Community College of Baltimore County.
Even though she'd only been at Rice for a short time, Avila was involved in several campus organizations.
Rice officials said she was deputy parliamentarian of the Rice Student Association, a peer academic advisor at Jones College and an at-large representative of the university's honor council.
While attending college in Baltimore, Avila was active in the college-wide student programming board, Multicultural Student Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and the First Year Experience Mentor program, according to the university.
Resources for victims of domestic or family violence
Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.
The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at 281-446-2615.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 88788.