Crime
Hill Country College Preparatory High School Teacher Stephanie Ruvalcaba Shot by 15-Year-Old Student
The 15-year-old suspect died at the scene
BULVERDE, Texas — A 15-year-old student is dead after shooting a teacher and then turning the gun on himself Monday morning at Hill Country College Preparatory High School, located just north of San Antonio, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m., shortly before the start of the school day.
According to the Comal County Sheriff’s Office, the student opened fire inside the campus, striking a teacher identified as Stephanie Ruvalcaba, who teaches Social Studies and Advanced Placement Government.
Responding deputies reported that the student died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Ruvalcaba was transported to a San Antonio-area hospital for treatment.
As of the latest update, officials have not released information regarding her condition.
Sheriff Mark Reynolds emphasized that the situation was quickly contained and did not evolve into an active shooter scenario.
“School was placed on lockdown right away to protect everyone on the campus,” Reynolds said. “This was a shooting, but not an active shooter situation. The threat was contained rapidly.”
The campus was immediately secured, and students were evacuated in a controlled manner. They were transported to Bulverde Middle School, where they were reunited with their families.
Students described a chaotic scene as the incident unfolded. One student reported hearing loud bangs and screams coming from a second-floor classroom, while another recalled hearing multiple gunshots before a teacher quickly ushered students into a safe location.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including the Comal County Sheriff’s Office, Bulverde Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Rangers. Officials credited coordinated inter-agency training for the swift and organized response.
“This kind of response doesn’t happen by accident,” Reynolds said. “It’s the result of training, coordination, and a shared commitment to protecting this community.”
Hill Country College Preparatory High School, a STEAM-focused campus within the Comal Independent School District serving approximately 260 students in grades 9 through 12, was placed on lockdown during the incident.
Principal Julie Wiley announced that classes would be canceled Tuesday, with counseling services made available to students, staff, and families affected by the shooting.
“Our hearts are with everyone impacted, especially the injured teacher, her family, and our school community,” Wiley said. “We know this has been a difficult day.”
Authorities noted a somber moment during the reunification process, as the family of the student involved was present when they were approached by law enforcement officials.
Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the shooting. Officials confirmed that no other injuries were reported.
The teacher remains hospitalized, and her condition has not been publicly updated.
The Comal County Sheriff’s Office, along with state and local agencies, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials have pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.