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
Jacksonville demonstrators demand justice after deadly Minneapolis ICE shooting

Jacksonville Protesters Call for Justice Following Fatal ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

Protests have erupted across the nation following the deadly shooting of 37-year-old…
Sabres beat the Rangers 5-2 to win for the 12th time in 13 games

Sabres Secure 5-2 Victory Over Rangers, Marking 12 Wins in Last 13 Contests

By STEPHEN WHYNO Josh Doan found the back of the net, and…
Adam Beckerink, attorney accused by Chicago police of murdering wife in South Loop high-rise, to be extradited to Illinois soon

Chicago Attorney Adam Beckerink Faces Extradition to Illinois Over Alleged South Loop High-Rise Murder of Wife

CHICAGO (WLS) — Michigan prosecutors have confirmed that Adam Beckerink is now…
Minneapolis protesters confront federal agents day after deadly shooting

Minneapolis Demonstrators Engage with Federal Agents Following Fatal Shooting

In Minneapolis, tensions rose on Thursday morning as protesters clashed with federal…
NASA administrator orders early return of 4 Crew-11 astronauts following medical situation

NASA Administrator Directs Expedient Return of Crew-11 Astronauts Due to Medical Concern

NASA has revealed an unexpected yet carefully orchestrated plan to bring the…
Watch: Jimmy Kimmel Tells ICE, 'Get the F**k Out of Minneapolis'

Video: Jimmy Kimmel Urges ICE to Leave Minneapolis in Candid Commentary

On his Wednesday night show, ABC’s late-night host Jimmy Kimmel resonated with…
Chicago Bears fans gearing up for Green Bay Packers playoff matchup at Soldier Field

Excitement Builds as Chicago Bears Prepare to Face Green Bay Packers in Key Playoff Showdown at Soldier Field

CHICAGO (WLS) — Enthusiastic Chicago Bears supporters are filled with anticipation as…
Noem says Trump administration is 'on offense,' using 'every single tool that we have' to protect Americans

Unleashing the Arsenal: How the Trump Administration is Vigilantly Safeguarding America’s Future

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declared on Thursday, “We are on the…
Carson Beck's late heroics propel Miami to CFP title game

Carson Beck’s Last-Minute Heroics Secure Miami’s Spot in CFP Title Game

Miami is set to compete for the national championship title. In a…
2 killed during memorial service at Mormon church in Utah

Tragic Incident at Utah Mormon Church: Two Lives Lost During Memorial Service

In a tragic incident outside a Mormon church in Salt Lake City,…
Crane removes Hampton Inn By Hilton sign from Minnesota hotel that allegedly denied service to DHS, ICE agents

Controversy Unfolds as Hampton Inn By Hilton Sign Removed After Alleged Service Denial to DHS and ICE Agents in Minnesota

On Thursday, photos surfaced showing a crane taking down the sign of…
New crosswalks with lights coming to 3rd Street in Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Beach Enhances Pedestrian Safety with Illuminated Crosswalks on 3rd Street

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has initiated the construction of two…