PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Federal and local authorities have identified a suspect in the Brown University shooting and a separate fatal shooting involving a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor, with officials confirming the suspect was later found dead.
According to a statement from federal prosecutors in Massachusetts, Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente, a 48-year-old Portuguese national, was identified as the primary suspect in both incidents. Authorities said he was found dead Thursday evening inside a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire, from what investigators described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Prosecutors said federal agents entered the storage facility at approximately 9 p.m. while searching for Neves-Valente. “Federal agents found Neves-Valente deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound,” U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said during a press briefing.
Investigation Details
Police in Providence said the investigation into the Brown University shooting, which occurred Saturday during a finals-week study session, remains ongoing. Authorities said two students were killed and nine others injured when a gunman opened fire inside a campus academic building.
Officials later identified the deceased students as Ella Cook of Alabama and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov of Virginia. Six injured individuals remained hospitalized in stable condition as of Thursday, according to authorities.
Investigators said surveillance footage and witness accounts led to the identification of a person of interest in the days following the shooting. Police confirmed that an individual initially questioned in connection with the case was later ruled out.
Connection to MIT Case
Massachusetts authorities said Neves-Valente is also suspected in the fatal shooting of an MIT professor, identified as nuclear physicist Nuno Loureiro, who was found with gunshot wounds at his residence in Brookline earlier in the week.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts said the cases are being handled under federal jurisdiction, with coordination between local and state law enforcement agencies.
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Authorities have not disclosed a confirmed motive linking the two incidents. Investigators said the inquiry remains active.
Background
Brown University officials said Neves-Valente briefly attended the institution between 2000 and 2001, studying physics before taking a leave of absence and later withdrawing. University President Christina Paxson said he had no current affiliation with the university.
Officials also referenced records from a Portuguese academic institution indicating that an individual with the same name had previously held a monitoring position before being terminated in 2000. Authorities said they are working to confirm the individual’s full background.
Public Safety and Ongoing Inquiry
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said the community remains on alert as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shootings. Law enforcement agencies have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Officials emphasized that, while the suspect has been identified and located deceased, the investigation into both incidents remains active, including efforts to determine motive and any potential additional factors.
