Key Tipster Helps Police Identify Suspect in Brown University Shooting
Providence, R.I. — A crucial tip from a Reddit user, known only as “John,” played a pivotal role in identifying the suspect behind the Brown University shooting and the killing of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor. According to Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, John’s information “blew this case right open,” leading police to find the suspected gunman dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound nearly 24 hours later.
The investigation had been ongoing for six days, with anxiety and frustration mounting in the Providence community as police seemed no closer to identifying the shooter. However, John’s encounter with 48-year-old Claudio Neves Valente before the attack provided the necessary details for law enforcement to crack the case. John had posted on Reddit, recognizing the person of interest and theorizing that police should look into a “possibly a rental” gray Nissan. Reddit users urged him to contact the FBI, and John said he did.
Surveillance Video and Tipster’s Testimony
As police reviewed surveillance video, they saw another man “in close proximity” to the person of interest and posted an image of him in hopes he would come forward. That man turned out to be John, who approached a Providence police officer and gave an interview at the police station. Neronha said, “We didn’t know they were the same person until John approached a Providence police officer and came into the Providence police station to give an interview. And once we had that interview, we were on the path very quickly to identifying our suspect.”
John’s testimony provided critical details, including an encounter with Neves Valente in the bathroom of the engineering building just hours before the attack. John noted that the suspect’s clothing was “inappropriate and inadequate for the weather.” He also recognized photos of the suspect’s car and what he thought was probably the suspect from photos of him at an Alamo car rental in November.
Game of Cat and Mouse
John’s encounter with Neves Valente outside, mere blocks from the building, was described as a “game of cat and mouse.” John watched Neves Valente “suddenly” turn around from the Nissan when he saw John, and what ensued was a series of encounters where Neves Valente would run away. At one point, John yelled out, “Your car is back there, why are you circling the block?” Neves Valente responded, “I don’t know you from nobody,” and repeatedly asked, “Why are you harassing me?”
John eventually saw Neves Valente approach the Nissan sedan once more and decided to walk away. The tipster’s information led police to tap into a network of over 70 street cameras operated by surveillance company Flock Safety, which helped them track down the suspect.
Reward and Investigation
The FBI has not revealed whether John will receive the $50,000 reward offered for information about the Brown shooting. Ted Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI, said it was possible when asked by reporters if John would receive the reward money, stating, “It would be logical to think that, absolutely, that individual would be entitled to that.” The FBI maintains a longstanding policy of not confirming the identity of individuals who assist the bureau by providing tips or information.
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