This story has been updated with a response from the Ramos Law Firm.
The mother and children of a woman killed in February of 2024 is suing the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and staff, claiming the university and staff did not do enough to intervene before she was killed.
Celie Rain Montgomery was killed alongside UCCS Student Samuel Knopp on February 16, 2024. Nicholas Jordan, a former UCCS student and Knopp's suite mate at the time, was convicted in April of 2025 for both murders.
Watch our previous coverage in the video player below.
Jordan is serving two consecutive life sentences with the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Melody Montgomery has filed the suit with the Ramos Law firm representing the family. Celie Montgomery left behind two children who are now in the care of their grandmother, Melody.
The lawsuit is against the university, and the following staff in their individual capacity:
- Lisa Potoka-Jones - Member of the UCCS Office of the Dean of Students at the time of the incident
- Angela Storck - UCCS Associate Director of Housing at the time of the incident
- Molly Kinne - UCCS Director of Residence Life at the time of the incident
- Ralph Geise - UCCS Director of Housing Operations at the time of the incident
- Jennifer Sobanet - UCCS Chancellor at the time of the incident
- Amanda Allee - UCCS Dean of Students and member of the CARE Team at the time of the incident
- Dewayne McCarver - Chief of the UCCS Police Department and member of the CARE Team at the time of the incident
- Dr. Cathy Calvert - UCCS Director of Mental Health Services and member of the CARE Team at the time of the incident
- Dr. Benek Altayli - UCCS Director of Wellness Center and member of the CARE Team at the time of the incident
- Michael Schalller - Detective with the UCCS Police Department and member of the CARE Team at the time of the incident
- Alex Baker - CARE Team and Student Support Program Director and member of the CARE Team at the time of the incident
The suit outlines and alleges multiple documented instances that occurred between Nicholas Jordan, his roommates, other UCCS staff, and other students on campus that would show Jordan was suffering from serious mental health issues and violating campus student conduct policies.
The suit says that the UCCS CARE Team should have taken stronger action in addressing the situations developing between Jordan and his roommates.
According to UCCS, the CARE Team, "addresses concerns related to students’ safety and well being, and we support students in times of challenge and crisis. The CARE Team assesses and responds to reported concerns or disruptions, we create access to resources for students to maintain their safety, health, and well-being, and we evaluate whether individuals pose a risk to themselves or others."
The suit argues that a third-party independent investigation by the law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP in December of 2024, stated that even reports of threats of violence between the two roommates should have been sufficient grounds for the CARE Team to "act immediately," at the very least separating Jordan and Knopp for some time.
WATCH: UCCS releases third-party review of events leading up to the shooting
The suit is seeking a trial by jury for the individuals and the university and is seeking to the "full extent allowed by the law", compensation for economic and non-economic damages and costs, and other relief the court deems appropriate.
Attorneys for Melody Montgomery said they are seeking unspecified monetary damages, but noted that in the state of Colorado, "wrongful death damages are unfortunately capped because, unlike in other states, caps haven’t yet been found unconstitutional."
"Our focus is on securing justice for our client and Celie’s young children who lost their mom, while also working to ensure that schools are safe environments for everyone on campus," said Jared Mazzei and Jessica McBryant, complex litigation attorneys with Ramos Law Firm.
"This incident was preventable, and we are committed to ensuring accountability and driving necessary changes to prevent future tragedies.”
UCCS and the named defendants have 21 days to respond to the lawsuit. UCCS said it would not comment on pending litigation.
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