“Is He Dead?”: Bodycam Footage Reveals 13-Year-Old’s Words After New Mexico School Shooting

Newly released police body camera footage has captured the tense moments after a 13-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the shooting of a teacher outside Highland Middle School in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Ryker Teel is accused of shooting teacher Kelly Matthews on September 25, 2026. Officers responded shortly before 11:40 a.m. after school staff discovered Matthews seriously wounded behind the school and called emergency services.

The footage shows an officer jumping a fence to reach Matthews, who was receiving help from school nurse Sylvia Pena. Asked what happened, the injured teacher told the officer that people had turned toward him and started firing before running away. Matthews also described the suspected shooter as wearing glasses and some kind of mask.

Police broadcast a description of the suspect and searched the nearby area. Officers later located Teel in an alley and took him into custody.

As he was handcuffed, the teenager repeatedly apologized and asked officers, “Is he dead?” The footage also shows police and school staff working to secure the scene and reunite students with their parents.

According to a police report cited by local media, investigators later heard Teel tell his father that he had taken a gun from a safe at home. The report further states that he admitted bringing the weapon to school intending to shoot someone, rather than targeting Matthews specifically. These allegations have not, by themselves, established guilt in court.

Teel faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and tampering with evidence, according to reports. Matthews survived the shooting and has been recovering at a rehabilitation center. His family says the road ahead remains difficult, and the long-term effects of his injuries are still uncertain.

Teel’s parents expressed sadness over the incident and said through an attorney that they would continue praying for Matthews, his family and the school community.

The release of the footage has brought renewed attention to the shooting and the moments officers encountered the injured teacher and apprehended the young suspect. The investigation and legal proceedings remain ongoing.

Source:  DAILYMAIL