Providence, Rhode Island, and surrounding communities continue to process the aftermath of the December 13, 2025, mass shooting at Brown University, where two students lost their lives and nine others sustained injuries during a review session in the Barus and Holley building. The incident, linked to the subsequent fatal shooting of an MIT professor, ended with the discovery of suspect Claudio Manuel Neves Valente’s body in a New Hampshire storage facility.
On December 19, 2025, the New Hampshire Department of Justice released findings from an autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The examination confirmed that Neves Valente, 48, a Portuguese national and former Brown University graduate student, died from a gunshot wound to the head, with the manner of death ruled as suicide. Officials estimated the time of death as December 16, 2025—two days before his body was located on December 18 in a rented unit at a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire.
The timeline adds a layer of complexity to the multi-agency investigation. Neves Valente is believed responsible for the Brown University attack on Saturday, December 13, where he entered the engineering and physics building around 4 p.m., firing multiple rounds in a hallway and lecture hall. Victims included sophomore Ella Cook, 19, from Alabama, and freshman Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an aspiring physician from Uzbekistan. Nine others received medical treatment for injuries.
Two days later, on Monday, December 15, MIT physics professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro, 47, was fatally shot at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts. Ballistic evidence matched weapons found near Neves Valente’s body to both incidents, and investigators confirmed the two men had studied together in a physics program in Lisbon, Portugal, during the 1990s.
Neves Valente had enrolled at Brown as a physics graduate student in fall 2000, taking a leave in 2001 before withdrawing in 2003. University President Christina H. Paxson noted he likely spent significant time in the targeted building during his brief tenure.
The manhunt intensified after the Brown shooting, with surveillance footage, license plate readers, and a key anonymous Reddit tip leading authorities to a rented gray Nissan associated with Neves Valente. The tip described suspicious behavior near campus, including the vehicle with Florida plates. By Wednesday, December 17, investigators identified him, issuing warrants. Tracking led to the Salem facility, where his body was found Thursday evening alongside firearms and other items.
FBI and local officials emphasized ongoing efforts to understand motives, reviewing digital evidence and background details. Neves Valente entered the U.S. on a student visa and later obtained permanent residency.
Communities at Brown and MIT held vigils and provided support resources. Brown canceled remaining exams, while MIT mourned Loureiro’s contributions to nuclear fusion research.
The autopsy’s revelation—that Neves Valente ended his life shortly after the Brookline incident—closed the active search but left questions about planning and intent. Authorities recovered ammunition, body armor, and data storage devices from the scene, aiding further analysis.
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez and other leaders expressed relief at resolution while acknowledging community trauma. “Our work is not done,” stated FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks, highlighting continued probe into circumstances.
Brown University resumed limited activities, prioritizing healing and safety enhancements. Tributes to Cook and Umurzokov portrayed them as bright, promising individuals whose losses deeply affected families and peers.
The linked incidents underscore challenges in preventing such events, prompting discussions on mental health resources and threat detection.
As December holidays approach, affected areas focus on remembrance and support. Investigations proceed collaboratively across states, ensuring thorough review.
Neves Valente’s actions disrupted lives profoundly, leaving enduring impacts on campuses and beyond.
Authorities urge patience as details emerge respectfully.
Communities demonstrate resilience through unity.
Healing processes begin amid grief.
