Authorities in Wisconsin are investigating the heartbreaking deaths of two young women from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville in what is now being considered a murder-suicide.

On the afternoon of Monday, May 19, campus police responded to a distressing scene inside Wilgus Hall, a student residence, where they found 22-year-olds Hallie Helms and Kelsie Martin suffering from gunshot wounds. Helms, an elementary education major, was declared dead at the scene. Martin, who had studied psychology and served as an assistant resident director, was transported to Southwest Health and later airlifted to UW Hospital in Madison. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries.

Initial findings from autopsies revealed a deeply unsettling conclusion: Martin’s fatal injury was the result of a gunshot wound, while Helms’ wound was determined to be self-inflicted. Investigators believe the shooting took place around 4 p.m. and are treating the case as a murder-suicide. According to the university, there is no indication that any other individuals were involved.

As authorities continue to investigate, they are working to establish a fuller understanding of the relationship between the two women, the events leading up to the shooting, and any potential warning signs that may have preceded this devastating loss.