Two people who were found shot dead in a dorm room at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs have been identified as 24-year-old Sam Knopp and 26-year-old Celie Rain Montgomery. Knopp and Montgomery were found with gunshot wounds to the head when cops responded to the incident at around 6 am on Friday.
The nature of their relationship remains unclear. The 24-year-old victim, a senior at the college, was remembered as a talented musician with guitar-playing skills. On the other hand, Montgomery was not a student at the university, the police department said in a statement. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and more details are awaited.
Mysterious Double Murders
"At this point in our investigation, this incident does not appear to be a murder-suicide and both deaths are being investigated as homicides," Colorado Springs Police said.
The coroner's office will determine the cause of death, but according to police spokesperson Ira Cronin, each person was shot at least once in what seems to be an 'isolated incident,' as mentioned during a briefing.
Knopp, identified as a senior studying music at the university, was described as a cherished member of the Visual and Performing Arts department. Knopp was an accomplished guitar player and an exceptionally talented musician.
Montgomery, a single mother of two young children, was employed as a freelance copywriter, focusing on health and wellness.
A campus-wide lockdown continued for around 90 minutes and was later isolated to Crestone House, a student apartment complex on campus, school spokesperson Chris Valentine confirmed.
Upon arrival at the room, police officers found both Knopp and Montgomery dead, each having sustained gunshot wounds to the head.
Following the lockdown, the campus, located about 70 miles south of Denver, remained closed for the rest of the day. Amy Knopp, Knopp's mother, expressed her concerns online as the shooting was unfolding. "There were reports of an active shooter on campus at UCCS where our son, Sam, is a senior. At least one person is dead.
"I haven't heard from Sam. He lives in Alpine Village, where residents were told to shelter in place. The campus is in lockdown and is now closed today.
"PLEASE EXCUSE MY LANGUAGE BUT IT'S THE GODDAMNED GUNS! This hits way too close to home and it makes me want to vomit. All the 'thoughts and prayers' in the world mean nothing without action to back them up."
Shooter Unidentified, Motive Unclear
After it became evident that her son was one of the victims, messages of condolence and sympathy followed for Amy Knopp. "I'm so sorry for your loss and praying so hard for you and your family," wrote Brittany Craig.
"I'm so sorry Amy, I am angry and heartbroken we lost Sam," wrote Elsa Ge.
"Amy my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My heart is broken my condolences," said Diane Sigl.
As of now, no suspects have been arrested or identified in the ongoing investigation.
"Given this case's active and fluid nature, additional information about those leads and any potential suspect details will not be released at this time," a press release from the police department read.
The police, however, said that the shooting was an isolated incident involving people who were known each other. It was not described as a random attack against the school or other students at the university.
