Two students from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville lost their lives on May 19, 2025, in what authorities have deemed a targeted and isolated murder-suicide shooting incident at Wilgus Hall, an on-campus residence that accommodates about 230 students.
Kelsie Martin, 22, from Beloit, Wisconsin, and Hallie Helms, 22, from Baraboo, Wisconsin, were the only individuals involved in the incident, which occurred shortly before 4:00 p.m. Martin was an assistant resident director at Wilgus Hall and a psychology major; Helms was a resident there, studying elementary education.
Emergency responders discovered both students with gunshot wounds inside the residence hall. Martin was initially taken to Southwest Health and then airlifted by Med-Flight to the University of Wisconsin Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Preliminary autopsy findings from the UW-Platteville Police Department indicated that Martin died from a gunshot wound.
Helms was found dead at the scene, with preliminary autopsy results suggesting a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation concluded that no other individuals were involved in this murder-suicide.
UW-Platteville Police Chief Joseph Hallman reported that a 911 call was received just before 4:00 p.m. regarding the situation at Wilgus Hall. Campus police immediately activated safety protocols and issued a shelter-in-place order for the university community. This order was lifted shortly after 5:00 p.m. when it was determined the incident was isolated, posing no ongoing threat to campus safety.
Eric Sperduto, a sophomore living in Wilgus Hall, witnessed the aftermath. He observed two female students fleeing the building and law enforcement officers entering the premises. “It’s just really sad and just sad to think about the families that are affected by this,” Sperduto told NBC affiliate WMTV of Madison.
Both students recently reached significant academic achievements. Helms had obtained her education degree on May 18, 2025, the day before the incident. Martin was scheduled to complete her forensic science degree during the summer term. The timing of the incident has added to the emotional impact on the campus community.
The university community responded with significant support following the incident. Chancellor Tammy Evetovich expressed sorrow over the loss of the students and emphasized that the institution’s primary concern is the well-being of the campus community. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued a statement indicating he had been briefed on the situation and would maintain contact with university officials.
University administrators took prompt action to support affected students and faculty. Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Laura Reynolds announced the cancellation of all remaining final examinations for the week at both UW-Platteville and UW-Baraboo campuses. Reynolds stated that this decision was made because the university is a close-knit community, and canceling exams was in the best interest of students, faculty, and staff.
The university established multiple support resources for the campus community. University Counseling began offering triage counseling services from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Additionally, a toll-free emotional support line was activated at 844-602-6680 or 720-272-0004, staffed by mental health professionals and available overnight.
Students can also access support through Mantra’s Care Hub, which remains accessible at any time for those needing assistance. The university created a frequently asked questions page on its website to address community concerns and provide updated information as it becomes available.
Following the incident, university officials requested students avoid the building while emergency responders remained on-site to provide assistance.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths continues under the direction of the UW-Platteville Police Department, with assistance from external law enforcement agencies. Chief Hallman emphasized that authorities aim to conduct a thorough investigation. The department has requested that anyone with information about the incident contact them at 608-342-1584.
The incident has raised concerns about transparency in the investigation. Bill Lueders, president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, expressed concern about what he described as excessive secrecy surrounding the case. Lueders argued that the public has a right to know basic information about what occurred, particularly since it involves the actions of public officials.
Despite the significant impact on the campus community, university officials confirmed that the campus remains open for students who wish to access counseling services and other support resources. The focus has shifted to providing comprehensive care for students, faculty, and staff as they process the loss of two members of their academic community.
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, located in Grant County, about 25 miles from Dubuque, Iowa, serves more than 6,000 students across its main campus and satellite locations. The institution spans over 2,021 acres and includes 20 academic and student services buildings, along with 13 residential facilities.