Full Breakdown
Shooting of a Hobbs Middle School Teacher by a Juvenile Suspect
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Sept 25, a juvenile male opened fire on a staff member outside Highland Middle School in Hobbs, New Mexico. Police were dispatched at about 11:39 a.m. after an initial report of a stabbing that was later revised to a “possible shooting.” The suspect, described as a white male wearing a black hoodie and pants with a long white shirt underneath, fired multiple rounds before fleeing on foot. He was later detained after a search of the school grounds. The teacher, identified by one report as Kelly Mathews and by another as Kelly Matthews, was shot in the stomach and hip and grazed by another bullet. He was taken to a hospital in Lubbock, where he was reported “stable and in good spirits.” The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not disclosed a motive.
Key Figures
- James Jones – Hobbs Police Chief, led the emergency response.
- David Torres – Lieutenant, Hobbs Police Department, participated in the press briefing.
- Gene Strickland – Superintendent of Hobbs Municipal Schools, issued a statement on the incident.
- Jonathan Sena – Mayor of Hobbs, attended the press conference.
- Kelly Mathews/Mathews – Special-education teacher and victim of the shooting.
Timeline
- Sept 25, 11:39 a.m. – Officers receive a report of a stabbing at Highland Middle School.
- Shortly after – Reports change to a possible shooting; police secure the building.
- Minutes later – Teacher is found shot outside the school; suspect flees.
- Following minutes – Suspect is located and taken into custody; students are released to families.
Official Statements & Responses
Superintendent Strickland said the incident occurred “while outside the building” and emphasized the district’s focus on supporting staff and maintaining a safe environment. Mayor Sena echoed this sentiment, stressing community safety. Police Chief Jones pledged a thorough investigation to improve school safety moving forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today, an incident occurred at Highland Middle School where a juvenile attacked and shot one of our staff members while outside the building,” — Superintendent Gene Strickland, and Hobbs Mayor Jonathan Sena
- “We don’t know if he was a targeted victim or if he was just the first victim in what was to be a planned mass shooting,” — Matthews’