Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente, aged 48, was found dead in a storage unit in Salem, in the state of New Hampshire, this Thursday (18). Autoridades confirmed that the former student of Brown University, a Portuguese national, committed suicide by shooting himself. The body was found along with two firearms, a backpack and evidence that corresponds to the scene of the crime that occurred on Saturday (13), when two students were killed and nine were injured on the campus in Providence, Rhode Island.
The attack took place around 4pm (local time) in the Barus & Holley building, dedicated to engineering and physics, during a review session for final exams. Neves-Valente acted alone, as concluded by investigations led by the Providence police and the FBI. The identification of the suspect followed a crucial tip that led to the location of an abandoned rental vehicle near the storage unit.
Investigations point to a possible connection with the murder of an MIT professor, which occurred days later in Massachusetts. Authorities continue to analyze connections between the cases, including the use of the same vehicle in both incidents.
Identification of the suspect
Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente was identified as the perpetrator of the shooting at Brown University by authorities during a press conference. The 48-year-old man, born on Portugal and with a known address on Miami, in Flórida, was found with items that matched campus surveillance footage. A backpack and clothes similar to those worn by the shooter were at the scene.
An anonymous tip was decisive in advancing the investigation. The person providing information led officers to the rental vehicle, which in turn revealed the suspect’s name through financial records. Essa track expedited the issuance of search warrants for the storage unit at Salem.
Academic trajectory at university
Neves-Valente was enrolled at Brown University between September 2000 and April 2001, in the PhD program in physics. Ele took a medical leave and formally resigned in July 2003, without completing the course. Todas the classes he attended took place in the Barus & Holley building, the same location as the attack.
The president of the university, Christina Hull Paxson, confirmed that the suspect did not maintain any active ties with the institution. Most of his academic activities as a doctoral student took place in that building, which may explain his choice of target. Paxson highlighted that Neves-Valente spent significant time there for classes and research.
Investigation details
Providence police, in conjunction with the FBI and state authorities, executed search warrants at the storage unit. The body was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as well as two weapons and evidence directly linked to the shooting. The abandoned rental vehicle nearby was key to connecting the dots.
Authorities believe the suspect acted alone, with no accomplices identified so far. A witness close to the suspect provided details that allowed the car to be tracked to a rental location in Massachusetts. Rental Registros confirmed their identity through photos and documents.
Providence police chief, Oscar Perez, said the case moved quickly after the initial report. Equipes federal and local officials worked in coordination to locate the suspect in New Hampshire. The investigation continues to clarify the motive for the attack.
Connection to MIT murder
Investigators are examining links between the shooting at Brown and the murder of MIT professor Nuno Loureiro, shot dead in his home at Brookline, Massachusetts, on December 16. The same rental vehicle was seen in the vicinity of both crimes. Neves-Valente and Loureiro attended university together in Portugal about 25 years ago.
Federal authorities have issued warrants in connection with both cases. Embora the suspect is dead, the evidence analysis work continues to confirm connections. The MIT professor was a specialist in physics, the suspect’s area of study in Brown.
- Rental vehicle tracked at Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
- Surveillance footage shows identical clothing and backpack.
- Old academic connection in a Portuguese institution.
- Warrants executed simultaneously in both states.
Context of the attack
The shooting occurred in a crowded classroom during economics revision during final exams. Dois students, Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, were killed at the scene. Nove others suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to the university-affiliated hospital.
Brown University canceled remaining classes and exams for the semester following the incident. The institution, one of the oldest in Ivy League, mobilized psychological support for the community. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called the event unthinkable and promised state support for recovery.
More than 75 school shootings were recorded in the Estados Unidos in 2025 alone. The incident in the Brown reinforces debates about gun violence on college campuses. Autoridades locals quickly isolated the area and ended the campus lockdown.
Advances in searches
The intense searches lasted six days, involving hundreds of agents in multiple states. Imagens of security cameras and license plate readers helped trace the vehicle’s path. The suspect changed license plates and avoided cameras, indicating prior planning.
A person nearby confronted the suspect and alerted the police, which accelerated the case. Equipes of the FBI performed authorized searches of the storage unit. The body may have remained there for some time before discovery.
Federal agents confirmed that work continues despite the suspect’s death. Evidências collected include weapons and personal items. The investigation covers Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Repercussion on the community
The university issued daily announcements during the manhunt. Estudantes and employees received safety instructions. President Paxson emphasized the lasting impact on the academic community.
The mayor of Providence, Brett Smiley, stated that the city can breathe a sigh of relief with the end of the searches. Familiares of the victims received direct support from the authorities. Brown has postponed admissions decisions to allow for collective mourning.
- Cancellation of exams and classes during the semester.
- Delay in early admission notifications.
- Vigils and psychological support offered.
- State commitment to recovery.
Elements found at the site
In storage at Salem, authorities located two weapons consistent with the shooting. A backpack identical to the one seen in campus videos was with the body. Roupas matched descriptions of the shooter.
The rental vehicle was abandoned near the unit. Registros FBI financiers confirmed the suspect’s location. Evidências ballistics are being analyzed for definitive connection.
The attorney general of Rhode Island, Peter Neronha, highlighted the importance of the initial complaint. Ela connected the car to the suspect’s name and photos. The case progressed quickly after this tip.