Authorities have released additional information on Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, the former Brown University graduate student accused of a deadly shooting at Brown and the killing of an MIT professor, following a dayslong manhunt across multiple states.
Manhunt Ends in New Hampshire
Police said Valente, 48, was found dead in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire, after investigators tracked his movements using surveillance footage, license-plate reader technology and a detailed tip about a gray Nissan with Florida plates. Officials later confirmed he died by suicide.
Key Tip and Surveillance Breakthrough
A tipster alerted police to the vehicle Valente was driving, describing suspicious behavior. That information, combined with video evidence, led authorities to a Massachusetts car rental agency, where records and footage linked Valente to the vehicle and to images captured on the Brown campus on the day of the shooting.
Weapons and Evidence Recovered
Officials said Valente was found with a satchel containing two firearms. Evidence recovered from the rental car matched material found at the Providence crime scene. Financial records and video also confirmed the storage unit belonged to him.
Background and University Ties
Valente was identified as a Portuguese national whose last known address was in Miami. Brown University confirmed he was enrolled as a physics graduate student from fall 2000 to spring 2001 and had no affiliation with the university for more than 20 years. Authorities believe Valente and the slain MIT professor previously attended the same university in Lisbon, Portugal.
No Ongoing Threat
Police said Valente acted alone and there is no indication of additional planned attacks. Investigators have not identified a clear motive or any writings connected to the case. Forensic teams are continuing to analyze evidence, including firearms, ballistic data and DNA.
Campus Security Review
Brown University President Christina Paxson said the building where the shooting occurred was unlocked due to exams and that the university is reviewing its security procedures. Officials also reported that all six people who remained hospitalized have now been upgraded to stable condition.
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