Two female college students have been found dead in their Wisconsin dorm room in a suspected murder-suicide, university authorities have said.
Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms, both 22, were found with gunshot wounds on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus on Monday.
Helms, who was studying elementary education, was found deceased at the location, while Martin, a psychology student and assistant resident director, succumbed to her injuries at a University of Wisconsin hospital after being airlifted, according to a statement released by the university on Tuesday night.
Helms died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a preliminary autopsy found.
Authorities received an emergency call concerning an incident at Wilgus Hall, an on-campus residence hall, just before 4 p.m. on Monday, according to UW-Platteville Police Chief Joe Hallman on Tuesday.
A shelter-in-place order in the dormitory was lifted just after 5 p.m., he added.
Students were seen running from the dormitory on Monday afternoon, Eric Sperduto, who lives in Wilgus Hall, told WMTV.
A heavy law enforcement presence was also seen on campus.
“It’s incredibly sad, and my thoughts go out to the families and friends who are impacted by this tragedy, including students like myself whose lives are now forever altered,” he remarked.
The loss of Martin, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Helms, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, was mourned in a statement by UW-Platteville Chancellor Tammy Evetovich.
“Please take the time to take care of yourself and others,” she said.
Final exams have been canceled at the university, and counseling services are being offered this week for members of the community, the statement said.
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville and the university’s police department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
