A homeless man, known only as John, is set to receive a substantial $50,000 reward after his critical information led authorities to identify the suspect in a series of shootings that shocked two prestigious American universities.
The Tip That Broke the Case Wide Open
Until John came forward, investigators were struggling to find leads on the gunman who killed two Brown University students and, just two days later, gunned down a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The breakthrough came when John, who had been living in the basement of Brown's engineering building, recognized the suspect's image from police bulletins and began posting details on Reddit.
"I'm being dead serious," he wrote in a post cited in court documents. He urged police to investigate a grey Nissan with Florida license plates, possibly a rental car. John explained he saw the suspect use a key fob to open the car, then back away and relock it, which he found odd. "When he circled the block, I approached the car... that is when I saw the Florida plates," he added. This was the first major clue about a vehicle connected to the shooter.
A Strange Encounter and a Crucial Confrontation
John later met with investigators and revealed a bizarre "cat and mouse" interaction with the gunman, later identified as Claudio Neves Valente, 48, on the day of the first shooting. He had encountered Valente in the bathroom of the engineering building hours before the attack, noting his clothing was "inappropriate and inadequate for the weather."
After bumping into him again outside, John followed Valente. At one point, John yelled, "Your car is back there, why are you circling the block?" According to court files, the suspect responded, "I don't know you from nobody," and repeatedly asked, "Why are you harassing me?"
Justice Served and a Reward Earned
Using John's detailed description, authorities accessed additional surveillance footage that ultimately led them to Valente. Nearly 24 hours after the manhunt intensified, investigators found Claudio Neves Valente dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha praised the tipster, stating, "He blew this case right open." Initially, it was unclear if John would receive the hefty reward on offer. However, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Ted Docks, clarified his eligibility. "It would be logical to think that, absolutely, that individual would be entitled to that," Docks affirmed.
The courageous actions of a homeless individual, who chose to come forward with vital information, proved instrumental in solving a case that had terrified academic communities, securing justice and a life-changing financial reward for his bravery.
