A Former Classmate Accused in MIT Professor's Murder

A Shocking Crime with Deep Roots

A man from Portugal is suspected of killing an MIT professor. The suspect and the victim were once classmates.

The Victim: Nuno Loureiro

• Well-known professor at MIT.
• Studied physics in Portugal before moving to the U.S.
• Worked as a researcher in Portugal until 2016.
• Moved to the U.S. to teach at MIT in 2016.
• Became the director of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center in 2024.

The Suspect: Claudio Neves Valente

• Also studied in Portugal.
• Came to the U.S. in 2000 on a student visa.
• Briefly attended Brown University but left in 2001.
• Became a permanent resident in 2017.
• Lived in Florida.

The Connection

• Both attended the same program in Portugal from 1995 to 2000.
• The suspect's motive remains unclear.
• Authorities are investigating the case.

Impact and Reactions

• Raises questions about safety and security.
• Highlights the importance of background checks.
• The academic community is shocked and mourning the loss of a respected professor.