A student at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs was taken into custody on Monday following the tragic shooting deaths of two individuals in a campus dormitory over the weekend. Authorities confirmed that Nicholas Jordan, aged 25 and hailing from Detroit, is facing two charges of first-degree murder. University spokesperson Jenna Press noted that Jordan was enrolled at the institution at the time of the shooting, which occurred on Friday.
The Colorado Springs Police Department disclosed that Jordan was apprehended by officers from the motor vehicle theft unit, who spotted him in a car less than three miles away from campus on Monday morning. His arrest proceeded smoothly, without any resistance.
The victims were identified as Samuel Knopp, a 24-year-old student at the university, and Celie Rain Montgomery, aged 26, who was not affiliated with the institution. The UCCS Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at Crestone House, an on-campus dormitory, around 6 a.m. on Friday. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered the bodies of the two individuals in the room where the shooting had occurred.
Following the incident, the university campus underwent a lockdown for several hours as authorities worked to ascertain whether there was an active threat to safety. While investigations are ongoing, authorities have discounted the possibility of a murder-suicide, indicating that the incident appears to be an isolated confrontation between individuals known to each other, rather than a random attack targeting the school or its students.
The university suspended operations over the weekend, with classes canceled on Monday. Despite the somber atmosphere, a memorial walk was organized, drawing participation from numerous individuals within the university community, which comprises over 11,000 students and close to 2,000 faculty and staff members.
Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet addressed the community via email, expressing condolences and urging solidarity during this challenging time. She paid tribute to Samuel Knopp, describing him as a senior studying music and a cherished member of the Visual and Performing Arts department, highlighting his exceptional talent as a guitar player and musician. While Celie Montgomery was not enrolled as a student, Sobanet emphasized her significance to the campus community and extended condolences for her loss as well.
The tragic shooting incident follows closely on the heels of another student’s death on campus. Mia Brown, a nursing student, passed away on February 12 after experiencing a medical emergency at the campus recreation center, as reported by The Scribe, UCCS’ student newspaper.