Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville Students Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide on Campus

Hallie Helms, 22, (L) and Kelsie Martin, 22, (R)

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — Two 22-year-old female students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville were found dead in their dormitory room on Monday in what authorities are investigating as a suspected murder-suicide.

The victims, identified as Kelsie Martin of Beloit and Hallie Helms of Baraboo, were discovered in Wilgus Hall with gunshot wounds. Helms, an elementary education major, was pronounced dead at the scene. Martin, a psychology major and assistant resident director, was airlifted to a University of Wisconsin hospital where she later died from her injuries.

Students watch as police investigate the scene

According to a preliminary autopsy, Helms died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Campus police received a 911 call just before 4 p.m. Monday reporting the incident. A shelter-in-place order was issued for the dormitory and lifted shortly after 5 p.m. Students were seen running from the building as law enforcement responded in force.

“It’s just really sad to think about the families that are affected by this,” said Wilgus Hall resident Eric Sperduto. “People that were their friends and other students like me — we’re all changed now.”

The cause of the shooting is still under investigation

University Chancellor Tammy Evetovich expressed sorrow over the tragedy, urging students and faculty to prioritize their mental health and support one another. Final exams at the university have been canceled, and counseling services are being made available to all members of the campus community.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Police Department has not yet released further details.

Cops were called to a suspected murder-suicide on Monday afternoon