The manhunt following the tragic Brown University shooting ended when authorities found the suspect dead in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire, more than 80 miles from the Providence campus.
Claudio Neves Valente, 48, a Portuguese national and former Brown physics student, had been on the run for days after killing two students at the Ivy League school.
Brown Students Killed During Study Session
On December 13, Neves Valente entered the Barus and Holley Building, where students were studying for exams.
He opened fire, killing Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, from Virginia, and Ella Cook, 19, from Alabama, and injuring 12 others.
University President Christina Paxson noted that the shooter likely attended classes in the same building over 20 years ago.
MIT Professor Became Secondary Target
Two days later, the suspect traveled to Boston and fatally shot MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro at his home.
Authorities revealed that Loureiro was Neves Valente’s original target, and the two had attended school together in Portugal during the 1990s.
The motive for the attacks remains unclear.
Reddit Tip Helps Crack the Case
A crucial break in the investigation came from a Reddit post warning police about a suspicious gray Nissan outside Providence.
An anonymous witness, identified in court papers only as “John,” described seeing the suspect in unusual attire and acting erratically near the car.
His observations helped police trace Neves Valente to his vehicle, which ultimately led to the storage unit where he was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Suspect’s Evasive Measures
Neves Valente reportedly took multiple steps to avoid detection, including swapping license plates, avoiding surveillance cameras, and using a cellphone that masked his location.
Authorities tracked his movements through IP addresses and other digital traces, ultimately connecting him to both the Brown and Boston shootings.
MIT Community Mourns Beloved Professor
Professor Loureiro, a highly respected physicist and director of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, was remembered as kind-hearted and devoted to his students.
His death came just two days after the Brown tragedy, adding to the shock across multiple communities.
MIT President Sally Kornbluth urged anyone affected to seek support and noted that Loureiro’s many colleagues and students will eventually create ways to honor his life and work.
Providence Responds to Crisis
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley expressed relief at the capture, saying the city could now “breathe a little easier.”
Authorities confirmed that Neves Valente had two firearms with him and left evidence connecting him to the Brown shooting in his vehicle.
Surveillance footage from both Providence and Boston helped piece together the sequence of events.
Investigation Continues
Law enforcement continues to examine the suspect’s motives and the sequence of his movements in the days leading up to the attacks.
The Rhode Island Attorney General emphasized that community tips and careful investigative work were critical in resolving the case.
Remembering the Victims
Vigils have been held to honor Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, Ella Cook, and Professor Loureiro.
Students, neighbors, and colleagues have shared memories of the victims, highlighting their contributions, kindness, and impact on their communities.
What Happens Next
Authorities are continuing to review the events surrounding the shootings and the suspect’s background, while Brown University and MIT are offering counseling and resources to help students and staff cope with the tragedy.
The broader question of preventing similar attacks remains a priority for local and federal law enforcement.
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