Nearly five years after Harvard was rocked by the deaths of two students in an apparent murder-suicide, Columbia University is trying to deal with the same shock.

On Saturday, a 19-year-old sophomore was killed, followed hours later by the suicide of the suspect, her former boyfriend.

Kathleen A. Roskot, a star lacrosse player, was found dead early Saturday morning in her dorm room. Her throat had been slashed.

Later that day, Thomas G. Nelford, a Columbia dropout and alleged cocaine addict known for his artistic ability, threw himself in front of a Manhattan subway train. He was found carrying Roskot's wallet.

According to Virgil Renzulli,

Columbia's associate vice president for public affairs, Friday night's security tapes show Roskot and Nelford entering her dorm together. Nelford also left his identification card with the dorm's security guard.

A New York Police Department lieutenant told The Crimson that detectives have no doubt that Nelford killed Roskot. The case was closed Saturday with Nelford's suicide, the lieutenant said.

Renzulli said the killing was Columbia's second in less than three years. The other murder was also allegedly committed by an acquaitance of the victim.