The man suspected of killing two students and wounding nine others at Brown University, and of fatally shooting an MIT professor, was found dead by suicide in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire, authorities said.
Who Was Claudio Valente?
Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, 48, was a Portuguese national whose last known address was in Miami. He attended Brown in the early 2000s as a Ph.D. student studying physics before withdrawing in 2003, according to university President Christina Paxson.
The Brown University Shooting
On Saturday, a 9‑mm handgun was used in a first‑floor classroom of the Barus & Holley building. Final exams had started the day before and were continuing when gunfire rang out. The shooter left from the Hope Street side of the complex, prompting a days‑long manhunt.
Victims at Brown
Ella Cook, 19, a Birmingham, Alabama native and vice president of the Brown College Republicans chapter, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, from Uzbekistan, were killed. Family members said Umurzokov had a “bright future” and dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon. Most of the wounded were left in critical condition.
MIT Professor Murder
Leah B. Foley, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, told reporters that Valente also fatally shot Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro at his home on Dec. 15. FBI special agent Ted Docks noted that Valente appeared to have attended the same university in Portugal as Loureiro.
Investigation Clues
A person who saw a photo of the suspect reached out to authorities, “blew this case right open,” according to Attorney General Peter Neronha. That information led police to a rental car, Valente’s name, and photos of him renting the car. The clothing in those photos matched the clothing worn by the shooter at Brown.
Law‑Enforcement Response
State police, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals, and even the IRS were assisting in the investigation. A person of interest was detained Sunday but released after investigators determined the evidence did not support his detention.
Public Alerts and Shelter‑In‑Place
A 911 call about an active shooter on the Ivy League campus came in at 4:05 p.m. Saturday. Students were told to lock doors and silence phones as an hours‑long shelter‑in‑place warning took effect on campus and in the surrounding community.
Quotes from Officials
“Why Brown? I think that is a mystery,” said Attorney General Peter Neronha. He added, “I don’t think we have any idea why now, or why Brown, why these students, why this classroom. That is really unknown to us.”
Chief Oscar Perez told reporters, “It’s all hands on deck,” and that no one wanted to put the individual in handcuffs more than the police.
Mayor Brett Smiley said he has received support from other cities. “I’ve received dozens of texts from other mayors saying, ‘I’ve been through this, we’re here for you, call us if you need help for advice,’” Smiley said Monday. “Sadly, this happens far too frequently.”
Reward and Additional Evidence
On Monday, police released more videos and images recorded around two hours before Saturday’s shooting. The FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the shooter.
The Suspect’s Suicide
Valente was found dead by suicide in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire, roughly 80 miles north of Providence, Rhode Island. The authorities had obtained warrants to search the unit, Ted Docks said.
Key Takeaways
- Claudio Valente, a Portuguese national, was linked to the Brown University shooting and the MIT professor murder.
- The suspect used a 9‑mm handgun at Brown and was later found dead by suicide in New Hampshire.
- Investigators used a photo of the suspect to locate a rental car, matching clothing, and ultimately the storage unit where he was found.
The tragic events continue to reverberate through the academic community, underscoring the urgency of addressing campus safety and mental‑health concerns.
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