Share this @internewscast.com

Two people found fatally shot in a Colorado university dorm room were identified Sunday as investigators continued to search for a killer most likely known to the victims, police said.

Police identified Samuel Knopp, 24, of Parker, about 60 miles north of the campus, as a student at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, where he was found dead Friday.

Also found dead in the Crestone House residence was Celie Rain Montgomery of Pueblo, about 45 miles south of campus, Colorado Springs police said. She was not a student at the university, the police department said in a statement.

Police cited an El Paso County coroner’s office autopsy for the identities but said the exact cause and manner of death were still forthcoming.

In the meantime, police said, the deaths were being investigated as a homicide case with a killer who may have been known to the pair.

“Investigative efforts so far continue to indicate this is an isolated incident between parties that were known to one another and not a random attack against the school or other students at the university,” police said in their statement.

The deaths came to authorities’ attention at 5:59 a.m. Friday when campus police received a report of shots fired at a dormitory, the police department said. Officers found the pair dead in a dorm room around 6:05 a.m., the police department said in an earlier statement.

The campus was subjected to an hourlong lockdown until it was determined “no active shooter” was involved in the attack, according to the university’s log of alerts. A shelter-in-place alert was active for more than three hours.

City police were called for assistance, and Colorado Springs homicide detectives took command of the investigation, the city police department said.

The university was closed over the weekend, and Monday classes have been canceled so students can participate in a “day of healing” that includes a “healing circle” and a “healing walk,” the institution said in a letter to its campus community.

“We encourage everyone to come together throughout the day to support one another and intentionally set aside time for healing,” the university said.

Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet memorialized Knopp in a statement to the campus community.

“Sam was a senior studying music and a beloved member of the Visual and Performing Arts department,” she said. “He was an accomplished guitar player and an extremely talented musician.” 

The deaths came the same week a student identified by the chancellor as Mia Brown passed away. According to The Scribe, the university’s student-run news platform, Brown died the night of Feb. 12 after she was the subject of a medical emergency at the campus’ recreation center.

“This has been a difficult week with the loss of Mia Brown, another beloved student, on Monday. I know we are all mourning, so please, remember that you are not alone,” Sobanet said.

Knopp performed a junior recital early last year. He was scheduled to perform a senior recital on March 21.

A video of his junior recital shows Knopp in a short-sleeve dress shirt and jeans onstage at the university’s Ent Center for the Arts’ Chapman Foundation Recital Hall.

On video, Knopp played warm notes using what appeared to be a hollow-body electric guitar. Sometimes accompanied by fellow musicians, Knopp performed a wide variety of music, from jazz to classic rock.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
LA deputies caught on camera racing into foggy ocean to rescue disoriented paragliders

Los Angeles Deputies Heroically Dive into Foggy Waters to Rescue Stranded Paragliders

Two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies heroically saved two paragliders from a…
Ex-Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack arrested in Texas

Former Jaguars Linebacker Myles Jack Detained in Texas

Former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack faced arrest in Frisco, Texas, on…
Dave Chappelle surprises fans with Netflix special after Joshua-Paul fight

Dave Chappelle Drops Unexpected Netflix Special Following Joshua-Paul Fight

Dave Chappelle is once again ready to deliver laughs to his audience.…
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back

Historic Blue Origin Mission: First Wheelchair User Successfully Travels to Space and Returns

In a remarkable achievement for space travel and inclusivity, Blue Origin, led…
Hot Takes: Dems Melt Down Over Kennedy Center Name Change - Ric Grenell Levels Them With Reality

Democrats React Strongly to Kennedy Center’s Name Change as Ric Grenell Weighs In

The Kennedy Center board recently made a significant decision to honor former…
Desperate search for two men as fishing boat found empty 70 miles off Florida coast

Urgent Search Underway: Two Fishermen Missing After Empty Boat Discovered 70 Miles Off Florida Coast

The search efforts are intensifying for two fishermen, Randall Spivey, 57, and…
Several elephants killed in train collision as impact causes multiple coaches to derail

Tragic Train Collision Claims Elephant Lives and Derails Multiple Coaches: Urgent Call for Wildlife Safety Measures

In a tragic incident early Saturday, a high-speed passenger train struck a…
$775 million Powerball: Winning numbers for Wednesday, Dec. 3

Winner Announced for Saturday’s $1.5 Billion Powerball Jackpot

WASHINGTON — Anticipation is building as the Powerball jackpot has soared to…
US forces stop 2nd merchant vessel off coast of Venezuela, American officials say; President Trump ramps up pressure on Maduro

US Forces Intercept Second Merchant Vessel Near Venezuelan Coast, Officials Report; President Trump Intensifies Pressure on Maduro

In a significant development off the coast of Venezuela, U.S. forces intercepted…
NYCHA must be central to Mamdani housing plan

Transforming NYC Housing: Why NYCHA is Key to Mamdani’s Visionary Plan

For a glimpse into New York’s housing outlook, it’s crucial to consider…
Australian state weighs ban on 'globalize the intifada' chants, masked protesters in wake of Hanukkah attack

Australian State Considers Ban on Controversial Chants and Masks Post-Hanukkah Attack

In New South Wales, Australia, authorities are considering a prohibition on the…
When does Girl Scout cookie season start?

Unlock the Sweetness: Your Ultimate Guide to Girl Scout Cookie Season 2024

The much-anticipated Girl Scout cookie season is just around the corner, bringing…