A tragic murder-suicide at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville has left two young women dead just days after their graduation — and parents are outraged over how the school handled the situation.
Who Were the Victims?
On Monday, May 18, 22-year-old students Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms were found dead in their campus dorm room. The university confirmed both had recently graduated.
Helms, an elementary education major, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a preliminary autopsy. Martin, a psychology major and assistant resident director, was reportedly shot by Helms and died after being airlifted to a hospital.
Authorities believe the incident was a murder-suicide, though a motive has not been revealed.
University Lockdown and Community Fear
Emergency services responded to a 911 call at 4:00 p.m., prompting a brief lockdown. Although the campus was declared safe within an hour, students and parents say communication was poor and the incident sparked widespread panic.
“We were left in the dark,” one parent told The U.S. Sun. “Nobody knew if there was an active threat.”
Parents and Officials Speak Out
State Representative Barbara Dittrich shared a statement criticizing the university’s lack of clear information:
“I am hearing from parents of UW–Platteville students, and they are not happy. Protocols need to be seriously improved.”
Other parents echoed that concern, demanding better safety measures and communication protocols across the entire University of Wisconsin system.
Investigation Ongoing
The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation is currently investigating. Campus police have not released further details, and the university has yet to issue a formal explanation for the incident.
Meanwhile, social media has been flooded with tributes to the victims. A GoFundMe campaign set up by Martin’s family describes her as a Dean’s List student and a role model for young women.
“She had a dream and the will to make it come true,” the family wrote.
