New Mexico Student Accused of Shooting Highland Middle School Teacher in Hobbs Now Faces Multiple Charges After Police Say He Fled the Scene
HOBBS, NM — A Highland Middle School student is facing several charges after Hobbs police say he shot teacher Kelly Matthews outside a school building on Friday, prompting lockdowns at two nearby middle schools and a rapid law enforcement response. Police said officers were first sent to the campus at 11:39 a.m. after a call that initially reported a stabbing, but the situation was quickly upgraded to a possible shooting.
Chief James Jones said two officers arrived in less than a minute. Authorities then secured Highland Middle School and Coronado Middle School while searching for the suspect, who had fled east toward a residential neighborhood. EMS took Matthews to a Hobbs hospital within minutes, and she was later transferred to Lubbock for further treatment.
Police say the shooting happened outside the rear doors after the student left the building
According to police, the student had been inside Highland Middle School before exiting the building. Matthews encountered him near the rear doors, and police say the student began firing at that point. Investigators also found a blade near the scene, though officials did not say whether it was used in the attack.
Officers quickly established a perimeter around both schools as the search unfolded. Police said the suspect’s appearance was described by the victim and others at the scene, including a white male wearing a black hoodie, black pants and a long white shirt. Authorities later spotted him but said he ran when officers moved in.
Student now faces assault, weapons and evading charges
Police said the juvenile is charged with aggravated assault and battery of a school personnel, unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon, shooting threats and evading law enforcement, among other counts. Officials did not give the student’s name because he is a minor.
Investigators also said they know how the student obtained the firearm, but that detail is being withheld for now. Authorities have not filed any charges against the parents at this time. Police also said they have not established any prior criminal history tied to the student.
Investigation has not pinned down a motive or whether teacher was targeted
Officials said the motive remains unclear. They have not determined whether Matthews was specifically targeted before the shooting, and they have not publicly described any warning signs leading up to the attack.
Jones emphasized that the case is still being investigated and asked the public to focus on Matthews’ recovery. In his briefing, he said, “We continue to pray for [Kelly’s] recovery.” Police have not released additional details about the sequence of events beyond the initial confrontation and the suspect’s flight from the campus.
School leaders say classes will resume Monday with added police presence
Jones said officers will maintain a heightened presence at the school over the next several days. That step is meant to reassure students, staff and families after a violent incident that unfolded in the middle of the school day.
Superintendent Gene Strickland said school is scheduled to resume Monday. The district has not announced any changes to the campus schedule beyond the extra security presence. For families in Hobbs, the shooting has left open questions about safety, the student’s access to a weapon and the condition of the injured teacher.
Friday’s response stretched from the campus to a nearby neighborhood
The police response extended beyond the school grounds as officers tracked the suspect toward a residential area. The quick perimeter and school lockdowns were intended to keep students and staff inside while authorities worked to locate him.
Police said the situation developed fast enough that the initial stabbing report was replaced by a possible shooting within minutes. The speed of the response, combined with the campus lockdowns and EMS transport, turned the incident into a major emergency across the area. Officials have not said when additional details from the investigation will be released.
