Tragic Events Unfold at Brown University: Suspect Found Dead After Mass Shooting

Fri Dec 19 2025 13:04:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Claudio Neves Valente, a former Brown University student and the suspect in a mass shooting that resulted in two student deaths, is found dead in a New Hampshire storage facility. Investigators seek clarity on his motives and connections to the victims.

Claudio Neves Valente, 48, identified as the suspect in a recent mass shooting at Brown University, was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Valente, a former student and Portuguese national, is also linked to the murder of MIT professor Nuno Loureiro. The overall incident raises questions about Valente's motives and his previous ties to both the university and the victims. Investigators credit a key witness for assisting in connecting Valente to the shootings, while the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.

The search for the suspect involved in last weekend’s mass shooting at Brown University concluded at a storage facility in New Hampshire, where authorities found Claudio Neves Valente, 48, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Valente, a former Brown student and Portuguese national, was suspected in the shooting that killed two students and injured nine others during a lecture last Saturday, as well as the murder of MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro two days later.

Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed Valente's association with the university, stating he was enrolled as a graduate student in physics from 2000 to 2001. Importantly, he had no current ties to the institution.

After officials revealed Valente’s identity, President Donald Trump announced the suspension of the green card lottery program that allowed him to remain in the U.S. Since taking a leave of absence in 2001, it was unclear where Valente had been until his legal permanent residence was granted in 2017.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha remarked on the many uncertainties remaining about Valente's motives, questioning why he targeted Brown University and its students.

Tip Leads to Investigation Breakthrough

The FBI had initially stated that there were no links between the shootings at Brown and Massachusetts. However, a crucial tip from a witness, known only as John, proved instrumental in identifying Valente. After seeing a person of interest on security footage, John recognized him from previous encounters and alerted the authorities.

This tip led investigators to track Valente's vehicle using a network of street cameras, which enabled them to connect the dots leading up to his tragic end.

Victims Include Talented Students and Renowned Professor

The victims of the Brown shootings, 19-year-old Ella Cook and 18-year-old MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, were well-regarded within their academic communities. Cook was involved in her church and served as vice president of the Brown College Republicans, while Umurzokov, who immigrated from Uzbekistan, aspired to be a doctor. Loureiro, a prominent physicist at MIT, was dedicated to researching the physics of astronomical events.

As the investigation continues, the community seeks answers and understanding in the wake of this senseless violence.