Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the man suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting at Brown University and the killing of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor has been found dead in New Hampshire, bringing an end to a multi-state manhunt that spanned several days.
The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, was discovered inside a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire. Authorities said he died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators believe he died on December 16, two days before his body was located during a tactical search operation involving the FBI and state police.
Officials say evidence collected during the investigation strongly links Valente to both attacks. Surveillance footage, forensic analysis, and vehicle tracking data helped authorities connect the incidents, which initially appeared unrelated.
Deadly Shooting at Brown University
The first attack occurred on December 13 inside an engineering building at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Police say a gunman opened fire during a student study session ahead of final exams, killing two students and injuring several others. The building was accessible at the time due to extended exam hours.
Campus surveillance footage showed a masked individual entering and exiting the building shortly before the shooting. Investigators later tied the suspect’s movements to a rental vehicle seen repeatedly circling the area.
MIT Professor Killed Days Later
Two days after the Brown University shooting, MIT professor Nuno Loureiro was fatally shot outside his home in Brookline, Massachusetts. At the time, authorities said there was no immediate indication the killing was connected to the Providence attack.
Further investigation later revealed that both the suspect and the professor shared a similar academic background, having studied physics engineering in Portugal years earlier. Investigators now believe the professor was specifically targeted.
Breakthrough in the Investigation
The investigation gained momentum after a citizen reported suspicious activity near the Brown campus, including a vehicle matching the suspect’s rental car. License plate tracking and security footage eventually placed the same vehicle near the professor’s residence in Massachusetts and later in New Hampshire.
Video evidence showed the suspect entering a storage facility shortly after the second shooting. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at the unit, they found Valente deceased along with two firearms.
Forensic testing later confirmed that one weapon matched shell casings from the Brown University shooting, while the other was linked to the MIT professor’s killing.
Background of the Suspect
Authorities stated that Valente was a Portuguese national who previously lived in Florida and had no known criminal record in the United States. He had briefly studied at Brown University more than two decades ago but had no active connection to the institution at the time of the attack.
Officials said the suspect acted alone and no evidence has been found indicating assistance from others.
Investigation Continues
Although the suspect is deceased, officials say the investigation remains open as authorities continue to search for a motive. No manifesto or written explanation has been recovered so far.
Law enforcement leaders praised the coordination between local, state, and federal agencies, emphasizing the importance of public tips in resolving the case. University officials have also announced reviews of campus security procedures following the tragedy.
Residents in affected communities expressed relief after the announcement, though officials noted that the impact of the violence will be long-lasting for victims’ families and the academic institutions involved.
