Suspect in Professor Shooting at Brown and MIT Found Dead
Authorities have confirmed the death of the suspect in the shooting of a Brown University professor and an MIT instructor. Initial investigations indicate that the individual died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Identity and Background of the Suspect
The suspect, whose name has been revealed as Valente, had a brief academic history at Brown University. According to President Christina Paxson, he attended from autumn 2000 until spring of the following year, pursuing a PhD in physics. She emphasized that Valente had “no current active affiliation” with the institution.
Details of the Shooting Incident
- Victim: Nuno F Gomes Loureiro, 47, a professor at MIT.
- Date of Shooting: Monday.
- Location: Victim’s home in Brookline, Massachusetts, approximately 50 miles from Providence.
Investigators confirmed that both Valente and Loureiro were alumni of a university in Portugal during the late 1990s. The connection between the suspect and the victim surfaced when authorities analyzed CCTV footage that led to the identification of Valente’s vehicle, which was seen near both crime scenes.
Discovery of Valente
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha reported that Valente was discovered deceased in a storage facility. He was found with a satchel containing two firearms. Additionally, forensic evidence from a nearby vehicle aligned with details from the shooting scene in Providence.
The investigation continues, but authorities have not disclosed a motive for either incident. The circumstances surrounding this case raise significant questions as law enforcement seeks clarity regarding the relationship between the suspect and the victims.
