Authorities in Texas are investigating after a 15-year-old student wounded a teacher and then died by suicide Monday morning at a high school near San Antonio.
The incident occurred at Hill Country College Preparatory High School in Bulverde, a growing community outside San Antonio. Officials report no additional injuries beyond the wounded educator.
The injured teacher was transported to a local hospital, though Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds said hours later that he remained unaware of her medical status.
“What happened today is something no community ever wants to face, but we prepare for something that we hope never occurs,” Reynolds stated.
According to Reynolds, the teenager fired at the teacher before turning the weapon on himself. Investigators are now examining the connection between the student and educator while also determining how the firearm was acquired.
The campus, which serves approximately 250 students, went into lockdown procedures around 8:30 a.m., school officials confirmed. A student witness told San Antonio’s KSAT television that loud noises erupted from a second-floor classroom, followed by screaming.
Another student described hearing five gunshots and shouting before a debate instructor directed students into a secure classroom.
School buses transported students to a neighboring middle school facility, where parents formed lengthy queues as they awaited reunification with their children. Some families were seen praying during the wait. Reynolds noted that relatives of the shooter also joined the reunification process.
“We’re trying to collect as much information as we can from witnesses,” Reynolds explained.
Parent Jesse Lopez expressed concerns to KSAT about his daughter’s eventual return to classes.
“For one, she has autism, and she’ll be afraid to go back, she’ll be real afraid to go back,” Lopez shared.
Principal Julie Wiley announced that Tuesday’s classes would be suspended, though counseling services would remain available for students and families. Her statement did not include updates on the teacher’s medical condition.
“Our hearts are with everyone impacted, especially that teacher, their family, and our school community,” Wiley expressed. “We know this has been a difficult day.”
The institution operates under the Comal Independent School District and emphasizes college preparatory academics. The school’s curriculum revolves around science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), offering specialized courses in cybersecurity and engineering.
Hill Country College Preparatory opened its doors in August 2020 with an initial freshman class and has expanded to include all high school grade levels.
