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By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies
Authorities have confirmed that the suspect responsible for the mass shooting at Brown University and the murder of an MIT professor is dead. The gunman has been identified as Claudio Neves Valente, a 48-year-old Portuguese national and former Brown University PhD student.
Valente’s body was discovered on Thursday night inside a storage unit he had rented in Salem, New Hampshire. According to FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks, Valente died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The breakthrough in the case came from a tip regarding an encounter inside a bathroom on the Brown campus. This led investigators to a rental car Valente had obtained in Massachusetts. Security footage from the rental agency showed Valente wearing the same clothing seen in surveillance videos from the Brown University shooting, and his name was found on the rental agreement.
While initial reports were cautious about linking the two crimes, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley confirmed that investigators are now “certain” Valente murdered MIT professor Nuno Loureiro on Monday in Brookline.
Evidence linking Valente to both scenes includes:
- Academic Ties: Valente was a former physics PhD student at Brown, familiar with the Barus & Holley building where the Saturday shooting occurred.
- Lisbon Connection: Investigators believe Valente and Professor Loureiro attended the same university in Lisbon, Portugal, suggesting a potential long-standing grievance or connection.
- Physical Evidence: Prosecutors stated they have “ample evidence” linking the suspect to the Brookline crime scene.
Despite identifying the shooter, officials admitted they are still struggling to understand the “why” behind the attacks.
“I don’t think we have any idea why now, or why Brown, or why these students, why this classroom,” said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha. “That is unknown to us.”
Valente had attended Brown more than two decades ago. Investigators are currently reviewing his history, digital footprint, and past associations to determine what triggered the rampage after so many years.
- Brown University: Two students, Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook, were killed. At least eight others were wounded during the shooting on Saturday afternoon.
- MIT: Professor Nuno Loureiro, a distinguished member of the nuclear science and engineering department, was killed in his home on Monday.
Authorities believe Valente acted alone. Further details regarding his motive will be shared with the public as the investigation into his background continues.