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
F.M. K9 owner Michael McHenry found not guilty of animal cruelty after 9 overheated dogs in truck die in Lake Station, Indiana

Michael McHenry, Owner of F.M. K9, Acquitted of Animal Cruelty Charges Following Tragic Death of Nine Dogs in Lake Station, Indiana

In a northwest Indiana courtroom, a man faced allegations of animal cruelty…
Former Israeli spies now overseeing US government cybersecurity

Ex-Israeli Intelligence Experts: The New Guardians of US Cybersecurity

A company founded and run by former Israeli military intelligence officers now…
Haitian gang leader learns sentence for orchestrating kidnapping of 16 American missionaries

Haitian Gang Leader Receives Sentence for Kidnapping of 16 American Missionaries

A Haitian gang leader, identified by federal prosecutors, received a life sentence…
Dolly Parton embarks on new venture for truckers and road trippers

Dolly Parton Launches Exciting New Initiative for Truckers and Road Trippers: A Game-Changer in Travel

Country music icon Dolly Parton is set to infuse her signature Southern…
Arkansas county jail becomes major ICE pipeline as arrests surge under Trump crackdown

Arkansas County Jail Emerges as Key ICE Hub Amid Surge in Arrests During Trump Administration Crackdown

In a surprising turn of events, a county jail in Arkansas has…
Harvard professor detained by ICE after Boston synagogue shooting, agrees to voluntarily leave US

Harvard Professor’s Shocking ICE Detention: Voluntary Departure Follows Boston Synagogue Shooting

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Wednesday that Immigration and…
Suspect arrested twice after allegedly carrying out two separate unprovoked assaults only minutes apart

Shocking Back-to-Back Attacks: Suspect Arrested Twice for Consecutive Unprovoked Assaults

In Portland, a man has been taken into custody twice within the…
Loyola New Orleans TPUSA chapter denied again after 'absolutely appalling' student government meeting: student

Loyola New Orleans TPUSA Chapter Faces Rejection Following Contentious Student Government Meeting

The student government at Loyola University has once again rejected the bid…
Police should be taking 'closer look' at college student's death after mother's allegations: Former prosecutor

Former Prosecutor Urges Police to Re-evaluate College Student’s Death Amidst Mother’s Allegations

A former federal prosecutor has suggested that Austin, Texas police should delve…
$775 million Powerball: Winning numbers for Wednesday, Dec. 3

Unveiled: Dec. 3 Winning Numbers for the Massive $775 Million Powerball Jackpot!

The Powerball jackpot has surged into the ranks of the top 10…
Chicago crime: Marquis Terry charged in kidnapping; alert issued for robberies in Little Village, Humboldt Park, Logan Square

Chicago Crime Update: Marquis Terry Faces Kidnapping Charges, Warning Issued for Little Village, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square Robberies

CHICAGO – Authorities have announced charges against a man in connection with…
Ex-Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, convicted of George Floyd murder, files for new trial

Derek Chauvin Seeks New Trial: Unpacking the Latest Twist in the George Floyd Case

Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer famously convicted of second-degree murder…