A Detroit man, 25, was arrested Monday in Colorado Springs as a suspect in the double homicide at the University of Colorado's Crestone House dormitory. Nicholas Jordan, who is also a student at the university, was connected to the deaths of two individuals found on campus last week, according to The Detroit News.
The victims, identified as Samuel Knopp, 24, of Parker, Colo., and Celie Rain Montgomery, 26, of Pueblo, Colo., were discovered early Friday morning with gunshot wounds. Officials stated that the incident, which occurred around 6 a.m., did not seem to be a random act of violence but an isolated incident between known parties, as reported by CBS News. Montgomery was not a student; however, Knopp was a senior studying music and "an extremely talented musician," University Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet described in a statement obtained by The Detroit News.
Jordan was found by officers in a vehicle in the 4900 block of Cliff Point Circle East and taken into custody without incident. "It was really a smooth arrest," Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez told CBS News. The suspect now faces first-degree murder charges and is awaiting his appearance in court, officials said to CNN.
In the wake of the tragedy, the university community gathered for a "healing march" to remember the victims and foster unity. Haden Gillespie, Samuel Knopp's roommate, expressed his grief at the event, "I just want everyone to know that I love you and we'll get through it together so, thank you all for being here," according to a CBS News interview. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has opened its campus for support and healing, emphasizing community amid crisis.
The Colorado Springs Police Department continues to investigate the case, and they are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Anyone who may have insight into the shooting but has not already spoken to the police is encouraged to contact them at (719) 444-7000 or, for anonymity, Crime Stoppers at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.
