PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — UW-Platteville confirmed two students are dead following an apparent murder-suicide at the Wilgus Hall student residence hall Monday night, according to a press release from the university.
The students were identified as Kelsie Martin, 22, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Hallie Helms, 22, of Baraboo, Wisconsin.
Martin was transported to Southwest Health, and then Med-flighted to UW Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Based on preliminary autopsy findings, Martin died by gunshot wound. She was the Wilgus Hall Assistant Resident Director and a psychology major.
Helms died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the preliminary findings. She was a Wilgus Hall resident and an elementary education major
The university states the families of the students have been notified.
No other subjects are suspected to have been involved in the incident, according to the press release. Further investigation continues around the circumstances the led to the shootings.
Anybody with any information should contact the UW-Platteville Police Department at 608-342-1584.
Resources for students
University Counseling will offer triage counseling Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. In addition, a toll-free emotional support line is available at 844-602-6680 or 720-272-0004.
The university put together a FAQ page on its website.
Finals canceled
Provost Dr. Laura Reynolds said all finals the rest of the week would be canceled. Reynolds and Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich both emphasized that the students' safety and well-being were their top priorities.
Evetovich also clarified that the campus is not closed.
A message on the university's website asked students to avoid Wilgus Hall. Emergency responders remain on the scene to provide assistance, the message said.
Watch: UW-Platteville confirms two students dead after 'isolated incident'
The campus was under a shelter in place until 5:03 p.m.
UW-Platteville issued the following statement:
"We have confirmed it is an isolated incident; there is no threat to campus. We need to let the police do their investigation. The shelter in place has cleared. We are getting help from the state, Grant County, and city. We are working to support students that are affected by this. More information will come; we will do a briefing sometime this evening."
During a press briefing Monday night, UW-Platteville Police Chief Joseph Hallman confirmed one person was transported from the scene following the incident; however, he declined to provide further details on the incident. This lead to concerns about transparency. The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council president Bill Lueders providing the following statement:
"The amount of secrecy surrounding this incident is deeply troubling. The public has a right to know what happened here. There must be some way for the authorities to provide basic information on the nature and seriousness of this matter. This incident involves the actions of public officials and that makes it the public's business."
Watch: Platteville shooting raises concerns about transparency
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