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
40-year Harvard professor pens scathing piece on school's 'exclusion of white males,' anti-Western trends

Harvard Professor Criticizes University’s Alleged Bias Against White Males and Anti-Western Ideals in Controversial Op-Ed

A long-serving history professor at Harvard University, who dedicated four decades to…
All the eclipses, supermoons, meteor showers and planets to spot in 2026

Your Ultimate 2026 Skywatching Guide: Eclipses, Supermoons, Meteor Showers, and Planetary Alignments

Stargazers can anticipate a spectacular celestial lineup in 2026, featuring vibrant full…
After legal setbacks, President Donald Trump says he's dropping push for National Guard in Chicago, LA, Portland, Oregon, for now

Trump Halts National Guard Deployment Plans in Major Cities Amid Legal Challenges

CHICAGO — President Donald Trump has decided to temporarily halt his initiative…
San Antonio teen who vanished Christmas Eve found dead by suicide in nearby field after days-long search

Heartbreaking Discovery: Missing San Antonio Teen Found Dead After Intensive Search

This article contains information on suicide. If you or someone you know…
.GIF of lethal kinetic strike on narco-terrorist vessel

U.S. Military Confirms Fatalities in December 31st Strike on Alleged Narco-Terrorist Vessels

In a decisive move against criminal networks, the U.S. military conducted a…
Trump says he’s dropping push for National Guard in Chicago, LA and Portland, Oregon, for now

Trump Halts National Guard Deployment Plans in Chicago, LA, and Portland Amid Ongoing Tensions

By MICHELLE L. PRICE WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has temporarily…
Somali daycare in Minnesota broken into, key documents stolen in overnight burglary

Overnight Heist at Minnesota Somali Daycare: Crucial Documents Stolen in Bold Burglary

A daycare center in Minneapolis, operated by the Somali community, recently suffered…
President Donald Trump announces National Guard to be removed from Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland

President Trump Orders Withdrawal of National Guard from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland

President Donald Trump has decided to temporarily halt his initiative to send…
Jonas Brothers close out Daily's Place concerts as venue closes for two-year renovation

Jonas Brothers Rock the Stage in Final Performance Before Daily’s Place Undergoes Major Renovation

The Jonas Brothers delivered a heartfelt performance at Jacksonville’s Daily’s Place, marking…
Ex-police officer given prison time in case prosecuted under Soros DA sees conviction overturned a year later

Former Police Officer’s Conviction Overturned After Soros-Backed DA’s Case Fails in Appeal

The 7th Court of Appeals in Texas has overturned the conviction of…
New Year's around the world: Cities across the globe welcome 2026 with thunderous fireworks and heightened security

Global Celebrations: Cities Worldwide Usher in 2026 with Spectacular Fireworks Displays and Enhanced Security Measures

As Auckland’s clocks struck midnight, the city ushered in the New Year…
Disney World cast member injured after massive boulder prop veers off track at Indiana Jones stunt show

Disney World Cast Member Injured as Large Boulder Prop Deviates from Track during Indiana Jones Stunt Performance

A dramatic incident unfolded at Disney World’s Indiana Jones stunt show on…