Homicide at UI reported; Suspect dead

MOSCOW - A University of Idaho graduate student was the victim of homicide at an off-campus residence on Monday night, university officials said.

The student's identity is being withheld, pending notification of next of kin. The incident remains under investigation. Moscow Police has confirmed that the suspect identified in the investigation - Ernesto A. Bustamante, a former faculty member who worked at the university from 2007 to 2011 - is dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The university is cooperating with the Moscow Police Department.

"We are both shocked and saddened by these events," a UI press release states. "Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the victim's family and friends. The university is making grief counseling available for students, faculty and staff."

The university's convocation, scheduled for this afternoon, will be rescheduled. The university will be issuing public statements as more information may become available.