Key Breakthrough in Campus Shooting Case
Following the tragic incident at Brown University on December 13, Providence Police released an image seeking public assistance in identifying an individual near a person of interest. This appeal came four days after the shooting that resulted in two student fatalities and nine injuries.
Authorities initially detained a person of interest in Coventry but released him the same evening, determining he was not responsible for the violence.
Critical Tip Leads to Identification
The investigation gained momentum when a Reddit user, identified as 'John,' provided crucial information. According to court documents, 'John' stated, "I'm being dead serious," and urged police to investigate a grey Nissan with Florida plates, possibly a rental vehicle.
In an affidavit, 'John' described encountering Claudio Neves Valente in the Barus Holley building bathroom around 2 p.m. He noted Valente's "flimsy" clothing, "baggy" jacket, large facemask, glasses, and "weathered" complexion with a "cinnamon color."
'John' followed Valente outside, observing him near the Rhode Island Historical Society approach a grey or silver sedan with Florida license plates. He noticed two fanny pack style bags on the rear floorboard and described the pursuit as a "game of cat and mouse."
During their encounter on George Street, 'John' asked, "Your car is back there, why are you circling the block?" Valente responded, "I don't know you from nobody, why are you harassing me?" 'John' detected an accent during this exchange.
Investigation Progress and Outcome
Once investigators received the tip about the Florida-plated Nissan Sentra, they quickly identified the rental vehicle and its renter. Retired Boston Police Superintendent Dan Linskey explained, "Once they were able to positively identify a vehicle plate associated with him in the area of Providence, run that plate and find out if it's a rental car in Boston, they were able to identify who had rented it and gather a positive identification on them pretty quickly."
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley revealed that Valente had evaded law enforcement for weeks by casing the campus multiple times, using European SIM cards, and changing license plates. "This was very premeditated. He had a plan, and he did not want that plan to fail," Foley stated.
Two days after the shooting, Valente was found deceased at a storage facility in Salem, New Hampshire. The medical examiner's office confirmed suicide as the cause of death, with two 9mm pistols recovered at the scene.
Forensic analysis by the ATF and FBI through the CSP lab confirmed one firearm matched the weapon used in the Brown University shooting, while others were linked to the murder of MIT Professor Nuno Loureiro in Brookline the following Monday.
Official Recognition and Reward
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has publicly praised 'John' as a hero. In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, Smiley wrote, "John is no less than a hero. His bravery, selflessness and stewardship on behalf of his community went far beyond what anyone could ever hope from a tip. I believe that our community is breathing easier today because of the extraordinary assistance John provided to our law enforcement agencies."
The mayor has requested that the entire $50,000 reward be awarded to 'John' for his crucial assistance in the investigation.
Regarding potential connections between the incidents, FBI Special Agent Ted Docks clarified, "At this time, there seems to be no connection" between the Brown University shooting and the professor's murder in Brookline.
