Jackson T. Keller, 19, a Fort Lewis College student, was arrested and charged with criminal solicitation for first‑degree murder and unlawful weapon possession on campus after investigators say he tried to hire people to kill a fellow student for cash. Evidence prompting the investigation surfaced on Jan. 28, and Keller was arrested on Jan. 29; he posted $50,000 bail and is due back in court on Feb. 23. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and campus police say the probe is ongoing and have not identified the alleged target.
Fort Lewis Student Arrested in Alleged Murder‑for‑Hire Plot; Faces First‑Degree Solicitation Charge
Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo.Alamy
Jackson T. Keller, 19, a student at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, was arrested and charged after investigators say he attempted to hire others to kill a fellow student for money.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Fort Lewis College Police Department (FLCPD) announced that Keller faces charges of criminal solicitation for first‑degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon on college grounds. Authorities say the probe began on Jan. 28, when evidence emerged indicating Keller allegedly tried to persuade two separate individuals to carry out the killing in exchange for cash.
Arrest, Bail and Next Steps
Keller was arrested on Jan. 29 and subsequently posted $50,000 bail. Court records list a return date of Feb. 23. It was not immediately clear whether he has retained an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
Investigation Status
The CBI said officials recovered material suggesting the suspect "attempted to persuade two separate parties to commit the murder of a fellow student in exchange for a cash payment." Fort Lewis College officials and campus police assisted the state bureau. Investigators have not released the identity of the alleged target or reported any injuries; the investigation remains active.
Note: These are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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