Fort Lewis College Student Charged in Alleged Murder-for-Hire Plot in Durango

Student Arrested in Alleged Plot at Fort Lewis College

On January 29, 2026, law enforcement officers arrested Jackson Keller, a 19-year-old student at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Authorities booked Keller into the La Plata County Jail following an investigation into an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting another student at the college.

According to information released by investigators, Keller faces felony charges of criminal solicitation for first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon on college grounds. Officials allege that evidence uncovered during the investigation indicates Keller attempted to pay two students to kill another student. The investigation is being led by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in coordination with the Fort Lewis College Police Department.

Investigation Timeline and Law Enforcement Response

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation reported that its inquiry into the alleged plot began on January 28, 2026. Keller was arrested the following day after investigators stated they found evidence suggesting the solicitation of two students to carry out the killing of a third student. The incident and subsequent arrest occurred in Durango, located in La Plata County in southwestern Colorado.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Fort Lewis College Police Department and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the campus community related to this incident. The agencies emphasized that the safety of students, faculty, and staff remains a priority as the investigation proceeds.

Court Proceedings and Conditions of Release

Court records show that Keller was released from the La Plata County Jail on a $50,000 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled to appear in La Plata County Court on Monday afternoon for another bond hearing. As part of the court’s orders, a mandatory protection order was issued against Keller, prohibiting him from going near or contacting the alleged victim.

Records also indicate that Keller has no prior criminal history in Colorado and has only a previous traffic ticket in Florida. A voicemail was left for his attorney seeking comment on Monday, according to the records referenced in connection with the case.

College Confirms Student’s Enrollment and Team Membership

A spokeswoman for Fort Lewis College confirmed that Keller is enrolled at the institution and is a member of the school’s football team. The college lists him as a freshman linebacker originally from Tampa, Florida. The spokeswoman stated that the Fort Lewis College Police Department acted quickly and in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies in response to the incident.

In a prepared statement, the spokeswoman said that student, faculty, and staff safety is a top priority at Fort Lewis College and that the college’s response demonstrated the strength of its campus safety protocols and partnerships. She added that the institution remains committed to transparency, due process, and providing a safe learning environment. School officials stated they will not comment further while the investigation continues.