The family of a 15-year-old student at Comal ISD’s Hill Country College Preparatory High School (HCCPHS) who allegedly shot his teacher before turning the gun on himself today did not know their child was dead until they showed up in the “reunification” line at Bulverde Middle School.
Details of the shooting at the high school, 3615 Mustang Vista, Bulverde, emerged at a press conference this afternoon with Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds, who said the condition of the teacher is unknown. She was transported to a San Antonio hospital after the shooting.
He declined to speculate on the relationship between the student and teacher, ownership of the firearm used in the shooting, and whether the shooting occurred inside a classroom, the building, or outside the school.
However, Reynolds said the student turned the gun on himself immediately after shooting his teacher. At no point following the suicide were other students or teachers at risk.
The investigation is ongoing.
CCSO will follow up with some of the 250 students who may have witnessed the shooting but were bused to Bulverde Middle School after the lockdown ended to be reunited with their families
“It’s still a live scene under investigation and I want to be very clear, this situation was contained very, very quickly,” he said.
Bulverde police and Comal County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded immediately after the shooting around 8:30 a.m.
Comal ISD spokesperson Salwa Lanford said an armed school resource officer probably was on campus when the incident occurred.
Reynolds said Texas Rangers are assisting with the investigation, adding he also received calls from the FBI and U.S. Congressman Chip Roy, who represents the 21sr District of Texas.
HCCPHS will remain closed Tuesday, but counselors will be available to students and families from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 at Mammen Family Public Library, 131 Bulverde Crossing.
“Our hearts are with everyone impacted, especially our teacher, their family and our school community,” said HCCPHS Principal Julie Wiley.
“We know this has been a very difficult day. I want to personally thank our local law enforcement officers, amazing staff and district administrators for their swift response, professionalism and care of our students.”
Students’ vehicles and personal belongings will remain secured on campus until further notice, she said.
HCCPHS is a school of choice with a strong focus on academics and college-readiness skills.