Former Classmate Paints Troubling Portrait of Brown University Shooting Suspect
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In the wake of the tragic shooting at Brown University and the subsequent killing of an MIT professor, new insights into the suspect’s past have emerged from a former classmate who knew him during their college years. Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente, identified as the suspect in the December 13 Brown University mass shooting that claimed two students’ lives and injured nine others, was described by Scott Watson, now a physics professor at Syracuse University, as “socially awkward” and often “angry” during their time together on campus in 2000.
Watson recounted to Fox News that he was essentially Neves-Valente’s only friend during their time at Brown, a connection forged through shared social awkwardness. “During orientation he was sitting alone, and I walked up and said hello. He was terse at first, but we eventually broke the ice and became close,” Watson said. The Portuguese national frequently expressed frustration with his new life in the United States and with the university environment, often complaining about the ease of his coursework. “He would say the classes were too easy — honestly, for him, they were. He already knew most of the material and was genuinely impressive,” Watson recalled.
Beyond academics, Neves-Valente’s dissatisfaction extended to campus life, including the quality of food. Watson remembers his irritation over the lack of high-quality fish on campus, a detail that underscores the depth of his discontent. However, Watson also revealed troubling behavior, including incidents where Neves-Valente insulted another student, referring to him as his “slave,” which once escalated to a physical altercation that Watson had to intervene in.
Despite these darker moments, Watson also shared memories of Neves-Valente’s gentler side, particularly during dinners at a local Portuguese restaurant near the university. “There is a community there. He could be kind and gentle, though he often became frustrated — sometimes angry — about courses, professors and living conditions,” Watson said.
The last time the two spoke was when Neves-Valente decided to leave Brown University. Watson attempted to persuade him to stay, but Neves-Valente was resolute in his decision to return to Portugal. This final interaction marked the end of their friendship.
Authorities continue to investigate the connection between the Brown University shooting and the killing of an MIT professor, an incident that has shocked both academic communities. The suspect, aged 48, was identified by the U.S. Department of Justice, which is leading the investigation into these violent acts.
The tragic events have prompted renewed discussions on campus safety and mental health resources, with officials from the U.S. Department of Education emphasizing the need for vigilance and support systems to prevent similar incidents.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local police departments are working closely to piece together the suspect’s motives and any possible warning signs missed in the past. The community remains in mourning, grappling with the loss and seeking answers to prevent future tragedies.
For more information on campus safety initiatives and federal resources, visit the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
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