Colorado Springs, Colorado – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) has enlisted the expertise of former prosecutor and Colorado Springs mayor John Suthers, along with attorney Jason Dunn, to conduct a thorough review of the events leading up to and following the on-campus double homicide that occurred on February 16.
The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of Samuel Knopp and Celie Rain Montgomery inside a UCCS dormitory room. While Knopp was a registered student at the university, Montgomery was not affiliated with the institution. The alleged perpetrator, Nicholas Jordan, was apprehended in the days following the violent act. Recently, his defense team has raised concerns about his mental competency in court proceedings. Jordan was also enrolled as a student at UCCS at the time of the incident.
In response to the shooting, a petition initiated by students advocating for increased campus security garnered close to 900 signatures in the aftermath of the tragedy. The UCCS council office initiated the review of the situation, which will entail the creation of an executive summary outlining key findings, as well as any suggested policy or procedural changes. According to communication obtained by 11 News, there is a possibility of convening the emergency management team to implement recommended modifications once the review is completed.
Amidst ongoing developments in the criminal case against the accused shooter, the decision to conduct an external review was prompted by preliminary findings and concerns about inaccurate representations in national media coverage based on incomplete information released early on. A high-ranking UCCS official, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed confidence in the institution’s handling of the situation but emphasized the importance of the independent review to clarify any misinterpretations.
The endeavor to examine the lead up to and response following the tragic incident at UCCS aims to bring transparency to the public and address any discrepancies in media coverage. As the investigation progresses and legal proceedings unfold, the university remains committed to ensuring safety and security on campus.
By engaging with external experts and taking proactive measures to assess the situation comprehensively, UCCS demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability in the aftermath of such a devastating event. As the review progresses, stakeholders anticipate valuable insights and recommendations that will inform future policies and actions to safeguard the well-being of the university community.