COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – A UCCS student is facing two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of two individuals inside a dorm room on the university campus. Nicholas Jordan appeared in court Friday following the tragic incident, where he was charged in the killings of Samuel Knopp, 24, and Celie Rain Montgomery, 26. The court set Jordan’s bond at $5 million.
According to arrest documents released on Friday, there was a history of disputes between Jordan and one of the victims prior to the fatal shooting. The UCCS Police received a call from a witness reporting the shooting at approximately 6 a.m. on Feb. 16, prompting officers to respond to the scene. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of Knopp and Montgomery inside a dorm pod on the UCCS campus.
Investigations revealed that there were three residents in the pod, including Knopp and Jordan. The witness who called in the shooting cited ongoing issues with Jordan related to smoking marijuana, cigarettes, and cleanliness in the living area. Law enforcement confirmed that Jordan had electronic access to the pod and had entered the building shortly before the shooting took place.
Surveillance footage showed an individual in dark clothing entering the building around the time of the incident, with a vehicle linked to Jordan spotted in Colorado Springs on the day of the shooting. Additionally, a witness mentioned previous reports of Jordan’s unsafe living conditions and smoking inside the room, including an altercation with Knopp over a bag of trash in January.
Witness statements in court revealed that Jordan was found with a fully loaded AK-47 in his vehicle at the time of his arrest. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 27. The relationship between Montgomery and the victim or suspect was not further detailed in the released arrest documents.
The tragic event at UCCS has raised concerns and questions about campus safety and potential warning signs of escalating disputes among students. University officials and law enforcement are working together to ensure the well-being and security of all individuals on campus. The community is mourning the loss of Knopp and Montgomery and seeking justice for their untimely deaths.