UPDATE; UW-Platteville Shooting: Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms Identified in Apparent Murder-Suicide at Wilgus Hall.

 

On Monday, May 19, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville’s Wilgus Hall, resulting in the deaths of two students in what authorities have described as a “targeted and isolated” murder-suicide.

Around 4 p.m., campus police responded to a 911 call reporting a disturbance at Wilgus Hall. Upon arrival, officers found two individuals with gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as 22-year-old Kelsie Martin of Beloit, Wisconsin, and 22-year-old Hallie Helms of Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Martin, a psychology major and assistant resident director at Wilgus Hall, was transported to Southwest Health and subsequently airlifted to UW Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Preliminary autopsy results indicate she died from a gunshot wound.

Helms, an elementary education major and resident of Wilgus Hall, was found deceased at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities have confirmed that no other individuals were involved in the incident.

In response to the tragedy, UW-Platteville canceled final exams for the remainder of the week and offered counseling services to students and staff. Triage counseling is available Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a toll-free emotional support line is staffed by mental health professionals at 844-602-6680 or 720-272-0004.