Stabbing death at Springs Rescue Mission leaves shelter ‘profoundly shaken’
One man is dead and another is in custody, according to police, after a stabbing that happened Sunday afternoon at Colorado Springs’ largest homeless shelter south of downtown.
Rocky West, 33, is facing first-degree murder charges for allegedly killing Isaiah Curtis Plair, 25, at the Springs Rescue Mission homeless shelter, which is located at 5 W. Las Vegas St.
It’s the first murder at the campus in its nearly 30 years at the location, said Travis Williams, the rescue mission’s chief development officer.
“People believe we’ve never had an incident like this,” he said.
Jack Briggs, Springs Rescue Mission CEO, to step down
Police said they responded to an emergency call for assistance around 2:30 p.m. and found Plair, who was pronounced dead at the scene, with at least one stab wound.
“While the Coroner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death, this is being investigated as a homicide,” an announcement from police on Monday said.
25-year-old Isaiah Curtis Plair, a man who died after a fatal stabbing on Sunday, June 28.
The altercation occurred at the resource center, said a homeless man who was on the campus at the time. The resource center is where clients can rest in chairs, use computers, do laundry, take showers and do other tasks.
Due to police activity and investigation of the scene, the overnight emergency shelter portion of the campus, which normally opens daily at 4:45 p.m., did not open until 11 p.m. Sunday, Williams said.
During that time, the homeless man, who asked not to be named, said people stood in a line outside without food or water to be let into the campus and went to a nearby business to use the restroom.
“Obviously this was a unique situation because of the circumstances,” Williams said. “We are always looking to do our best for our guests.”
Jack Briggs, president and CEO of the shelter, sent a statement Monday afternoon that read in part, “We are profoundly shaken by the loss and the impact this event has had on the individuals we serve, as well as our faithful.
“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking incident. We understand that no words can truly ease the pain of this loss, but please know that our entire organization is committed to providing support and compassion during this incredibly difficult time.”
The shelter will “continue working closely with local authorities and first responders to understand the full scope of what happened and ensure all necessary measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future,” Briggs said.
The shelter had 344 people spend the night after reopening late Sunday, Williams said.
This is the 24th homicide in Colorado Springs this year. There were 17 at this time last year.
Last year, homicides of people who were homeless at the time of their deaths decreased to four, after spiking in 2022 with 11 homicides, with several at the hands of other people who also were homeless.
Anyone with information about Sunday’s incident is asked to call police at 719-444-4000, or 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
Contact the writer: 719-476-1656.
