Jury Begins Deliberations in UCCS Shooting Trial

Closing arguments concluded Tuesday in the trial of Nicholas Jordan, who is accused of fatally shooting Samuel Knopp and Celie Rain Montgomery in a University of Colorado Colorado Springs dorm in February 2024. Prosecutors argued that Jordan is guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, presenting evidence such as surveillance video, gun residue, and testimony about prior threats, and contended that self-defense does not apply since Jordan was the initial aggressor. The defense maintained that Jordan acted out of fear and self-preservation after allegedly being confronted with a baseball bat by Knopp, and asserted that Montgomery was not an intended target but rather a bystander. Both sides acknowledged Jordan was the shooter, but disputed his intent and justification. The jury received instructions and is set to begin deliberations on Wednesday. The trial has highlighted issues of mental health, financial strain, and the complexity of self-defense claims in violent campus incidents.