Tragic Incident at University of Colorado: Suspect Arrested in Connection with Dorm Room Deaths
In a devastating turn of events, a suspect has been apprehended and charged in relation to the deaths of two students discovered in a dorm room at the University of Colorado during the early hours of Friday morning, as confirmed by authorities.
Nicholas Jordan, 25, was taken into custody without incident and is now facing two counts of first-degree murder, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department. Online booking records reveal a set bond of $1 million for the accused.
The victims have been identified as 26-year-old Celie Rain Montgomery and 24-year-old Samuel Knopp, as determined by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office. Authorities report that both individuals sustained at least one gunshot wound, with the official cause and manner of death to be determined by the coroner.
Samuel Knopp, a senior in the visual and performing arts program at the university, was remembered as a skilled guitar player and exceptionally talented musician, according to a statement posted on Facebook by the university. Although Celie Rain Montgomery was not a student, the campus community is grieving her loss.
Following the issuance of a warrant, the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Motor Vehicle Theft Unit located Jordan in a vehicle on Monday, subsequently leading the Tactical Enforcement Team to apprehend him.
Law enforcement emphasizes that the tragic shooting appears to be an “isolated incident” involving individuals who were acquainted with each other, dispelling concerns of a random attack against the school or other students.
The initial response from police was prompted by a call reporting shots fired at Creston House, the university’s dormitory, where the two victims were discovered already deceased.
In response to the incident, the university declared a shelter in place and closed its doors for the remainder of the day. Monday saw the cancellation of classes, with the campus remaining open for a Day of Healing in an effort to support the affected community during this difficult time.