A quiet university campus in Wisconsin is grappling with shock and grief after two female students were found dead in their dorm room earlier this week, in what authorities are now investigating as a suspected murder-suicide.
The discovery was made Monday afternoon at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Wilgus Hall, when a 911 call prompted a swift response from police and the temporary issuance of a shelter-in-place order. Officials stressed there was no ongoing threat to the wider campus community.
The victims have been identified as Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms, both students at the university. According to the university, Helms, an elementary education major, was found dead at the scene. Martin was still alive when emergency responders arrived, but died later after being airlifted to a University of Wisconsin hospital.
On Tuesday, Platteville Police shared preliminary autopsy findings indicating that Helms died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. While investigators have not yet confirmed the full sequence of events, the details suggest the tragedy may have been a murder-suicide.
The campus community has been left reeling. University officials canceled final exams in the wake of the incident, offering students space to grieve and process the loss. Mental health support services have also been made available.
Local leaders expressed their condolences and pledged ongoing support. The Platteville School District issued a statement emphasizing its close ties to the university and reassuring families that there was no threat to area schools. The district said it remains in contact with law enforcement and is taking precautions to ensure a safe environment for students and staff.
Meanwhile, grief and concern ripple across the community. Friends, faculty, and classmates are mourning the lives lost and trying to make sense of the tragedy. The university, known for its small-town atmosphere and tight-knit student body, is facing one of the darkest moments in its recent history.
As the investigation continues and more information comes to light, the focus now shifts to healing — and to preventing future tragedies by ensuring that students in crisis can access the help they need.