A single, anonymous tipster – known only as “John” – unlocked a chilling investigation that connected two seemingly separate tragedies: the shooting of two Brown University students and the murder of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor. His unexpected encounters with the suspect proved to be the crucial break law enforcement desperately needed.
For six agonizing days, the Providence, Rhode Island community lived under a cloud of fear and frustration as police struggled to identify the shooter who unleashed over 40 rounds within a Brown engineering building. The investigation seemed stalled, with no clear leads emerging to quell the rising anxiety.
The turning point arrived with John’s information. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha declared the tipster “blew this case right open,” leading to the identification of the suspect within 24 hours and ultimately, the discovery of his body following a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
John first came forward on Reddit, recognizing the person of interest – later identified as 48-year-old Claudio Neves Valente – and suggesting investigators explore a possible connection to a grey Nissan rental car. Encouraged by other Reddit users, he contacted the FBI with his observations.
Prior to John’s tip, police had not linked a vehicle to the shooting. His information immediately shifted the focus, allowing investigators to access footage from a network of over 70 street cameras operated by Flock Safety, searching for the Nissan Sentra with Florida plates.
But John’s contribution didn’t stop there. He recounted several unsettling encounters with Neves Valente, beginning just hours before the Brown University shooting. He noticed the suspect’s clothing was strangely inappropriate for the cold weather while in the engineering building’s bathroom.
Outside the building, John observed Neves Valente abruptly turn away from the Nissan when he spotted John, initiating a bizarre “game of cat and mouse.” Each time they crossed paths, the suspect would flee, creating a tense and unsettling dynamic.
At one point, John directly confronted the suspect, questioning why he was circling the block. Neves Valente responded defensively, claiming he didn’t know John and accusing him of harassment. John then watched as the suspect returned to the Nissan and walked away.
Maintaining his anonymity, John stated on Reddit, “Respectfully, I have said all I have to say on the matter to the right people.” His willingness to come forward, despite the potential for personal risk, proved invaluable to the investigation.
The FBI acknowledged the possibility of John receiving the $50,000 reward offered for information leading to an arrest, stating it would be “logical” given his critical contribution. His actions brought closure to two communities grappling with unimaginable loss and fear.
