The latest report shows that the deaths of two students at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville are being looked into as a likely murder-suicide.
Police discovered 22-year-olds named Hallie Helms and Kelsie Martin with gunshot wounds in Wilgus Hall, a student residence. Event organizers estimate the shooting happened around 4 p.m. on Monday, May 19.
An elementary education major, Helms, was found dead on the scene. After Martin got hurt, she was brought to Southwest Health and then airlifted to UW Hospital, where her life was lost.
According to the preliminary autopsy results reported by People, Martin was shot and Helms took her own life. Tests confirmed the suspicion of a murder-suicide and the university clarified no one else was thought to play a role.
According to the commencement program from the university, both students had graduated on Saturday, May 17.
To support students, staff and faculty after the incident, UW-Platteville canceled final exams for the rest of the week and offered mental health services. The university’s Facebook statement reads: “Thank you to everyone who has offered their support by sending us messages and in many other ways.”
⚠️ WARNING: This post contains graphic descriptions of violence/gore/abuse
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) May 22, 2025
Two female college students, Kelsie Martin, 22, & Hallie Helms, 22, were found dead with gunshot wounds in their dorm room at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on Monday, May 19. Authorities are… pic.twitter.com/hwXAqY1VKr
They added: “Thank you so much for being so generous. We stick together and this display of care reminds us of the people we are. None of us treats it like a given. #PioneerStrong.”
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers discussed the incident on social media, indicating he would keep in touch with officials at UW-Platteville. Please join us in thinking about UW-Platteville students, faculty, staff and the larger Platteville community at this time.
Officials continue to investigate the incident to learn all details about what happened and when.
