PICTURED: University of Colorado senior, 24, shot dead in campus dorm room along with woman, 26 – as victim’s heartbroken mother says ‘thoughts and prayers mean NOTHING’ and slams gun violence

Two people shot to death 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 dead around 6 a.m. Friday when police responded to a report of a shooting. It is unclear what their relationship was.

The 24-year-old victim, who was a senior in college, was remembered as a gifted musician who played the guitar. Montgomery did not go to college.

“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.

Knopp was a talented senior who studied music in college

The coroner’s office will determine how they died, but each person was shot at least once in what appeared to be an “isolated incident,” police spokesman Ira Cronin said at a briefing.

Sam studied music at university and was reportedly a beloved member of the Visual and Performing Arts department. He was an accomplished guitarist and an extremely talented musician.

Celie, a single mother of two young children, worked as a freelance copywriter specializing in health and wellness.

A lockdown on campus lasted about 90 minutes and was later isolated at Crestone House, a student apartment complex on campus, school spokesman Chris Valentine said.

A police officer stands outside a Village at Alpine Valley residence hall on Friday as police investigate a shooting on the campus of the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs

Shocked students look out the window of their dorm at the Village at Alpine Valley residences

When police officers entered the room, they found Knopp and Montgomery both dead, having been shot in the head.

After the closure, the campus, about 70 miles south of Denver, remained closed for a day.

Knopp’s mother, Amy, shared her concerns online just as the shooting occurred.

“There were reports of an active shooter on the campus of 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 take shelter. The campus has been placed on lockdown and is now closed today. Please excuse my language, but it’s the damn guns! This hits way too close to home and it makes me want to throw up. All the ‘thoughts and prayers’ in the world mean nothing without action to back them up.”

Sam Knopp is pictured with his mother, Amy, in a photo from her Facebook page

Sam Knopp is seen next to his twin sister Ellie

Sam, left, and his sister Ellie stand together in a family photo

When it became clear that her son was one of the victims, expressions of condolence followed.

“I’m so sorry for your loss and praying so hard for you and your family,” Brittany Craig wrote.

“Amy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My heart is broken, my condolences,” said Diane Sigl.

“I’m so sorry Amy, I’m angry and heartbroken that we lost Sam,” Elsa Ge added.

To date, no suspects have been arrested or named in the active investigation.

“Given the active and fluid nature of this case, no additional information regarding these leads and any suspect details will be released at this time,” a police news release said.

Police did note that the shooting was an isolated incident between people who knew each other and was not just a random attack on the school or other students at the university.

“While we recognize the difficulty of the situation and the withholding of information in the early stages of the investigation, we owe it to the victims and their families to ensure accountability and justice for this heinous act,” police said.

“These are the third and fourth homicides in the city of Colorado Springs this year. This time last year there were two murders.”

The campus was also closed this weekend, but drop-in counseling was offered in the wellness center on both days, the university said.

The university has said classes will be canceled on Monday, but drop-in counseling will also be offered, along with spaces on campus open to offer food and support.

A healing walk in honor of the victims is planned for Monday on the UCCS campus at 2 p.m.

Anyone with information or who witnessed this investigation should call Colorado Springs Police at (719) 444-7000 to share information with investigators.