Who Is Kelly Matthews? Highland Middle School Teacher Shot in New Mexico; What We Know About Suspect

Hobbs, New Mexico: A shooting at Highland Middle School in Hobbs, New Mexico, on Friday, September 25, has drawn attention to teacher Kelly Matthews, who was identified as the victim.

Matthews is a special education teacher at Highland Middle School. His identity was publicly shared by New Mexico state Rep. Elaine Sena Cortez and other community figures following the incident. Officials and community members have expressed support for Matthews, his family and the school community.

Who is Kelly Matthews?

According to the Hobbs Municipal Schools staff directory, Kelly Matthews works as a special education teacher at Highland Middle School and holds a general special education K-12 certification.

A LinkedIn profile associated with a Kelly Matthews also lists experience with Hobbs Municipal Schools. Public information about his personal background remains limited as authorities continue investigating the shooting.

What happened at Highland Middle School?

The shooting occurred at or near Highland Middle School on Friday, September 25.

The Hobbs Police Department said officers responded to the incident and secured Highland Middle School as well as nearby Coronado Elementary. Police said there was no active threat to students or staff after the initial response.

The incident also affected Homecoming-related activities in the Hobbs community as authorities responded and worked to ensure the safety of students and staff.

What is known about the suspect?

Police have not publicly released extensive details about the person suspected in the shooting.

Authorities have confirmed that a juvenile was taken into custody in connection with the incident. Because the suspect is a juvenile, officials have not publicly identified the person.

The circumstances leading to the shooting, including the relationship between the suspect and Matthews and a possible motive, remain under investigation.

What has the community said about Matthews?

New Mexico state Rep. Elaine Sena Cortez publicly identified Matthews as the teacher who was injured and expressed concern for him, his family and the school community.

Jonathan Sena, an associate pastor at King's Gate Church, also shared a message of support, saying the community was grateful for the safety of students and teachers while expressing concern for Matthews and wishing him a full recovery.

Investigation continues

The shooting remains under investigation by local authorities. Police have not yet released a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the shooting or publicly disclosed a motive.

Further information about Matthews' condition and the juvenile in custody is expected as investigators release additional details.

For now, authorities have stressed that there is no ongoing threat to students or staff at the affected schools.