A 19-year-old college student and football player has been arrested in Colorado over a shocking alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting his own teammate. The suspect, identified as Jackson T. Keller, is accused of attempting to orchestrate the killing after his relationship with the intended victim deteriorated significantly.
Details of the Alleged Plot
According to an arrest affidavit, Keller, a student at Fort Lewis College, first approached a mutual acquaintance with a request to "put a hat" on his former friend. This slang term is understood to refer to carrying out a murder. When that individual refused to participate, Keller allegedly turned to a trio of men from Colorado Springs.
Financial Offer and Communication
The suspect reportedly contacted the three alleged assassins via a FaceTime call. During this communication, he is said to have offered them a sum of $500 to execute the hit, with the payment intended to be sent through the CashApp mobile payment service. The relatively low sum for such a serious crime has added to the bizarre nature of the case.
How the Scheme Was Uncovered
The plot began to unravel when the initial acquaintance, named as Kobe McGill, witnessed Keller's interaction with the alleged hitmen. Alarmed by what he saw and heard, McGill took the responsible step of reporting the threat directly to the intended victim.
The targeted teammate, upon receiving this warning, immediately alerted college officials and local law enforcement authorities. This prompt action allowed police to intervene before any physical harm could occur.
Arrest and Charges
Jackson T. Keller was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal solicitation for first-degree murder. He also faces an additional charge of unlawful possession of a weapon. Following his arrest, Keller was released from custody after posting a $50,000 bail bond.
A court appearance has been scheduled for February 23, where the formal legal proceedings against him will commence. The case has sent shockwaves through the Fort Lewis College community and raised serious questions about conflict resolution among student athletes.
Broader Implications and Context
This incident highlights the potentially dangerous escalation of personal disputes, particularly within the high-pressure environment of collegiate sports. The fact that the alleged plot originated from a soured relationship in a shared dormitory underscores how living arrangements can intensify conflicts.
Authorities have emphasised the importance of reporting threats and suspicious behaviour, crediting the actions of Kobe McGill and the intended victim for preventing a potentially tragic outcome. The case continues to be investigated as police work to understand the full scope of the alleged conspiracy.
