Brown University Shooting Suspect Found Dead After Multi-State Manhunt
Published 18 December 2025
Highlights
- Claudio Neves Valente, a former Brown University student, was found dead in New Hampshire after a six-day manhunt.
- Valente is suspected of killing two students at Brown University and an MIT professor, Nuno F Gomes Loureiro.
- The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and authorities found evidence linking him to both crime scenes.
- The investigation involved approximately 500 FBI agents and was aided by public tips and CCTV footage.
- Authorities have not yet identified a motive for the attacks, which have left the Providence community on edge.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Brown University Shooting Suspect Found Dead After Multi-State Manhunt
A man suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting at Brown University and subsequently killing a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor has been found dead in a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire. Claudio Neves Valente, a 48-year-old Portuguese national and former Brown University student, was discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Providence police chief Oscar Perez.
Suspect's Background and Connection to the Crimes
Valente, who studied at Brown University from 2000 to 2001, was identified as the suspect in a mass shooting that occurred on December 13 at the university's Barus & Holley engineering building. The attack resulted in the deaths of two students, Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, and left nine others injured. Two days later, Valente allegedly killed MIT professor Nuno F Gomes Loureiro at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts. Both Valente and Loureiro had previously studied at the same university in Portugal.
Investigation and Manhunt
The investigation, which involved around 500 FBI agents, was propelled by video evidence and public tips that led authorities to Valente's rental car. Evidence found in the car matched items from the crime scenes, including a satchel and firearms. Leah B Foley, the US attorney for Massachusetts, noted Valente's sophisticated efforts to evade capture, including changing license plates and using a phone that was difficult to trace.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The shootings have left the Providence community in shock, with many expressing frustration over the initial lack of progress in the investigation. Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that Valente had no current affiliation with the university. Despite the suspect's death, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Ted Docks emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with many questions still unanswered.
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Scenario Analysis
The discovery of Claudio Neves Valente's body may bring some closure to the immediate threat posed by the suspect, but it leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding his motive. Authorities will likely continue to investigate Valente's background and any potential connections to the victims to understand the reasons behind these tragic events. The case highlights the challenges of campus security and may prompt universities to reassess their safety protocols, especially in areas with limited surveillance. As the investigation unfolds, the findings could influence future policies on campus safety and law enforcement's approach to handling similar incidents.
A man suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting at Brown University and subsequently killing a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor has been found dead in a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire. Claudio Neves Valente, a 48-year-old Portuguese national and former Brown University student, was discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Providence police chief Oscar Perez.
Suspect's Background and Connection to the Crimes
Valente, who studied at Brown University from 2000 to 2001, was identified as the suspect in a mass shooting that occurred on December 13 at the university's Barus & Holley engineering building. The attack resulted in the deaths of two students, Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, and left nine others injured. Two days later, Valente allegedly killed MIT professor Nuno F Gomes Loureiro at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts. Both Valente and Loureiro had previously studied at the same university in Portugal.
Investigation and Manhunt
The investigation, which involved around 500 FBI agents, was propelled by video evidence and public tips that led authorities to Valente's rental car. Evidence found in the car matched items from the crime scenes, including a satchel and firearms. Leah B Foley, the US attorney for Massachusetts, noted Valente's sophisticated efforts to evade capture, including changing license plates and using a phone that was difficult to trace.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The shootings have left the Providence community in shock, with many expressing frustration over the initial lack of progress in the investigation. Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that Valente had no current affiliation with the university. Despite the suspect's death, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Ted Docks emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with many questions still unanswered.
What this might mean
The discovery of Claudio Neves Valente's body may bring some closure to the immediate threat posed by the suspect, but it leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding his motive. Authorities will likely continue to investigate Valente's background and any potential connections to the victims to understand the reasons behind these tragic events. The case highlights the challenges of campus security and may prompt universities to reassess their safety protocols, especially in areas with limited surveillance. As the investigation unfolds, the findings could influence future policies on campus safety and law enforcement's approach to handling similar incidents.
