On January 13, 2026, in Billings, Montana, at approximately 4:23 p.m., after regular school hours, a student allegedly stabbed a math teacher named Jason Rader during an altercation. First responders transported both to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
So far, authorities have said very little else about the circumstances of the attack. Almost immediately afterward, social media began speculating about the events leading up to the stabbing and researching the backgrounds of the student and the teacher allegedly involved.
What happened in Billings, Montana
Superintendent Erwin Garcia said the school went into lockdown while first responders secured the scene, there was no ongoing threat to the public, and that both individuals are receiving care. Authorities have not publicly named any suspect, confirmed a motive, or announced criminal charges as the investigation remains active.
True-crime content creator Ilea Pacheco, however, reiterated online rumors—unverified by law enforcement—that the student and the teacher may have had a personal connection. The student, identified elsewhere as Kaylie Wirkman Lear, has a substantial TikTok following for posting 1990s-style outfits.
According to the account, people combing through her social media found Pinterest boards with titles such as “let’s make love with our teachers” and another featuring multiple images of Jodi Arias, the Arizona woman convicted in 2013 of murdering her ex, Travis Alexander
Pacheco also cited TikTok comments made by the student on videos about student-teacher infatuation and traumatic “relationships” that some viewers interpreted as hinting at personal experiences. Police and school officials have not confirmed these details.
Reports of previous mental health issues
Creator Abby Blabby made similar allegations in another social media post, saying the student’s TikTok mainly focused on outfits but also included reposts and comments about student-teacher relationships and obsessive infatuations.
Abby Blabby noted videos from earlier in 2025 in which the student commented about experiences related to teacher interactions and mentioned pop-culture references about self-harm tied to romantic fixation. Blabby’s post also noted that the student had apparently gone through a prior legal process the year before that resulted in a temporary mental health hearing, and that she later shared content about a woman who harmed herself for a man’s attention.
Despite rampant speculation online, official statements from the Billings Public Schools district and the Billings Police Department have stayed focused on the facts confirmed by first responders: that an assault occurred on campus after school hours, that a teacher was stabbed and is in stable condition, and that a student was also injured and hospitalized. District officials canceled classes and extracurricular activities the following day and made counseling services available to students and staff as part of the response.
In the days following the attack, the community has mobilized support for the injured teacher and his family. The Billings Education Association launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the teacher with medical, legal, and living expenses as he continues his recovery.
According to reporting on the fundraiser, the campaign quickly exceeded its initial goal and has drawn contributions from residents and educators in solidarity. Organizers have emphasized the teacher’s privacy while thanking supporters for their generosity, noting the challenges that lie ahead for him and his family.
No evidence released by law enforcement has confirmed the social media-based claims about motive, relationships, or intent, and all such allegations remain unverified until formal statements or legal filings are made public.
Published: Jan 27, 2026 05:45 am