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
Sheriff Holding AI Whistleblower Charles Johnson, Indicted

Sheriff Detains AI Whistleblower Charles Johnson Following Indictment

A Texas sheriff whose jail is holding Clearview AI co-founder and whistleblower…
Master Messenger: Trump Goes Full MAGA at Pennsylvania Rally, Hands GOP the 2026 Talking Points

Trump Energizes Pennsylvania Rally with MAGA Message, Sets Stage for GOP’s 2026 Strategy

Once again, the master communicator has stepped into the spotlight, this time…
Fugitive repeat offender keeps walking free as courts let him loose to hurt people, experts warn

Courts Under Fire: Repeat Offender Continues to Evade Justice, Raising Concerns Over Public Safety

A felon with a long history of arrests in California and Texas…
Kris Boyd shooting suspect Frederick Green charged after Jets NFL football player shot outside Sei Less in NYC

Jets NFL Player Injured in NYC Shooting: Suspect Frederick Green Charged

NEW YORK — The 20-year-old Frederick Green from New York City appeared…
Tens of thousands join anti-government protests across Bulgaria

Massive Crowds Rally in Bulgaria to Voice Anti-Government Sentiments

By VESELIN TOSHKOV SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — On Wednesday, tens of thousands…
Experienced hiker rescued after getting trapped in quicksand at Utah's Arches National Park

Thrilling Rescue: Veteran Hiker Survives Quicksand Ordeal in Utah’s Arches National Park

An experienced hiker found himself in a life-threatening predicament when he became…
Minnesota college administrator accused of impeding ICE arrest to protect student sexual predator

Minnesota College Official Allegedly Obstructs ICE Arrest to Shield Student Facing Sexual Predator Charges

A small private college in Minneapolis has found itself embroiled in controversy…
Suspect identified in Kentucky State University shooting that left one student dead, another injured

Suspect Named in Kentucky State University Shooting: One Student Deceased, Another Injured

The individual charged with the campus shooting at Kentucky State University, which…
Venezuelan opposition leader Machado reappears in Norway after months in hiding

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Resurfaces in Norway: A Political Comeback Unfolds

On Thursday, Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado made her first public…
Luigi Mangione apologizes for looking 'suspicious' in newly released body camera arrest footage

Luigi Mangione Breaks Silence: Apologizes for ‘Suspicious’ Appearance in Newly Released Body Camera Footage

Luigi Mangione appeared to offer an apology for appearing “suspicious” prior to…
Two new Buc-ee's are coming to Florida. Here's when

Exciting Expansion: Discover When Two New Buc-ee’s Locations are Opening in Florida!

The highly anticipated convenience store, known for its vast array of offerings,…
Foreigners traveling to the US without a visa could be part of new social media screening

US Considers Social Media Checks for Visa-Free Foreign Travelers

Travelers from countries permitted to enter the United States without obtaining a…