A former friend of Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, the man accused of a tragic shooting at Brown University, has shared chilling details about his personality and behavior during their time together on campus in Providence, Rhode Island. On December 13, Valente allegedly opened fire inside the Barus & Holley building, resulting in the deaths of students Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, along with injuries to nine others. Just two days later, on December 15, he reportedly killed Nuno Loureiro, a professor at MIT, in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Scott Watson, a professor of physics at Syracuse University, revealed that he met Valente during their studies at Brown from 2000 to 2001. Watson described Valente as a socially awkward individual, noting that he was essentially his only friend during their time at Brown. "He was socially awkward, and so was I, which I think is why we connected," Watson explained in an email to CBS News Boston. He recounted how Valente often sat alone during orientation until Watson approached him to say hello, eventually breaking the ice between them.
Watson highlighted that Valente frequently expressed dissatisfaction with his experience in the United States and at Brown University. "He often complained that the classes were too easy," Watson said, adding that Valente was genuinely impressive in his knowledge of the material. Furthermore, Valente's irritation extended to the quality of food on campus, particularly his disappointment with the lack of high-quality fish.
The last time Watson communicated with Valente was in 2003, when Valente mentioned he was returning to Portugal. However, it has become apparent that this may not have been the case. Watson reflected on Valente's personality, acknowledging that while he could be kind, he also exhibited signs of frustration and anger regarding his courses, professors, and overall living conditions. "After a long day of conversations today, I realize maybe the signs were always there," Watson remarked in a separate interview with CNN, expressing his surprise upon learning that his former friend was the accused shooter.
Following the tragic events at Brown University and the subsequent murder of Professor Loureiro, a manhunt ensued for Valente, who was eventually found dead in New Hampshire. This shocking series of incidents has left the community reeling, raising questions about the mental health of individuals and the signs that often go unnoticed.
The story of Claudio Manuel Neves Valente serves as a reminder that behind every act of violence, there are often complex personal struggles and warning signs that may not be readily visible. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the factors that contribute to such tragic outcomes.