A prominent MIT nuclear science professor was fatally shot inside his home in an upscale Massachusetts neighborhood Monday night, authorities confirmed. Details about the incident remain limited as investigators continue their work.
Nuno Loureiro, 47, was discovered by police inside his Brookline residence following reports of a shooting around 8:30 p.m., according to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office. Loureiro was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead Tuesday morning.
“This is an active and ongoing homicide investigation,” the DA said, adding that no further information is being released at this time.
Brookline Police Deputy Superintendent Paul Campbell told WBZ-TV that Loureiro “had been shot multiple times” but declined to provide additional details.
The tragic death comes just weeks after a mass shooting at Brown University, approximately 50 miles away, in which two students were killed. The suspect in that case remains at large.
Loureiro, a native of Portugal, was a respected member of MIT’s Nuclear Science & Engineering and Physics departments, and served as the director of the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center, one of the university’s largest research labs with over 250 full-time researchers, a school spokesperson said.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to Prof. Loureiro’s family, students, and colleagues,” the spokesperson added. “Support and outreach are being offered within our community to assist those affected, and a message will be shared with the broader MIT community.”
The investigation involves multiple agencies, including state police, the Norfolk DA, Brookline Police, and MIT Police. The university has stated it will not provide further comment, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and respect for its integrity.
