A heartbreaking incident at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has left the campus community in shock after two female students were found dead in what authorities believe to be a murder-suicide inside a residence hall.
University officials confirmed that 22-year-olds Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms were discovered with fatal gunshot wounds in Wilgus Hall around 4 p.m. on Monday, May 19. Police responded to reports of a disturbance before uncovering the tragic scene.
Helms, an elementary education major, was pronounced dead at the dorm. Martin, a psychology major and longtime assistant resident director, was rushed to Southwest Health and later airlifted to UW Hospital, where she sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate that Helms died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, while Martin’s death was ruled a homicide, confirming investigators’ suspicions of a murder-suicide.
Authorities stated that no other individuals are believed to have been involved. As a precaution and in mourning, the university canceled all final exams for the week and has made grief counseling available to students and staff.
Both students had recently graduated with honors on Saturday, May 17—Martin with summa cum laude in psychology, and Helms with magna cum laude in elementary education. Helms, originally from Baraboo, had transferred from UW-Baraboo just last year. Martin, from Beloit, had served as a student leader and mentor in her dorm for three years.
Campus and community members have flooded social media with tributes and support. “We are deeply moved by the outpouring of love,” the university said in a Facebook post, using the hashtag #PioneerStrong to express resilience during this sorrowful time.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers also addressed the tragedy, saying, “We’re staying in close contact with UW-Platteville officials. Please keep the students, faculty, and community in your thoughts.”
The UW-Platteville Police Department has not released further comments, deferring to the university’s ongoing statements.
