Blake Preston-Community remembers Sam Knopp, the student killed at a university dorm in Colorado

2025-05-03 13:48:49source:Esthencategory:Contact

Days after a devastating shooting at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs that took the lives of Samuel Knopp and Blake PrestonCelie Montgomery, the school's community and friends of the dead are coping with the aftermath.

Monday was declared a day of healing at the university, as hundreds of students, staff, and community members took part in a walk to honor the victims. 

Those who knew Knopp recalled to "CBS Mornings" what happened when they heard about the shooting.

"We were just calling everybody trying to make sure that everybody was okay, and we just never heard from Sam," said Michael Miller, one of Knopp's friends. "The fact that somebody went and shot him is just, just horrific."

After an intense three-day search, Nicholas Jordan, 25, was arrested during a traffic stop just miles from the campus dormitory where the double homicide took place, according to police. The Colorado Springs Police Department told CBS News that Jordan, of Detroit, and Knopp, a 24-year-old registered student from Parker, were roommates. Montgomery, 26, was from Pueblo.

Jordan now faces two counts of first-degree murder, with his court appearance scheduled for later today.

Glen Whitehead, department chair for visual and performing arts at the university, said he worked with Knopp since his freshman year. Knopp was a talented guitarist according to Whitehead and was preparing for his final recital ahead of graduation in the spring.

"He was one of our best music majors," said Whitehead. "(He) was a real virtuoso."

Chief Adrian Vasquez of the Colorado Springs Police Department said "we have put every effort into ensuring that justice is brought forward for Sam and Celie."

As classes resume, the university's music program is considering a tribute to honor Knopp's memory on what would have been the day of his final guitar performance.

Nancy Chen

Nancy Chen is a CBS News correspondent, reporting across all broadcasts and platforms.

Twitter Instagram

More:Contact

Recommend

The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test

A private company aiming to build the first supersonic airliner since the Concorde retired more than

Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried ordered to jail after judge revokes his bail

Sam Bankman-Fried, the former FTX CEO, was ordered to jail on Friday after a judge revoked his bail

Real Housewives Star Kyle Richards Shares the Must-Pack Travel Essentials for Your Next Trip

We included these products chosen by Kyle Richards because we think you'll like her picks at these p