Billings teachers stage lunchtime picket after felony charges dropped

More than 100 current and former employees and students stood outside Billings Senior High School on Monday during the lunch period. The group gathered to protest the decision by Yellowstone County prosecutors to decline filing felony charges in a January stabbing incident.

The demonstration was organized by the Billings Education Association. It took place three days after the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office confirmed it would not pursue felony charges. The county office referred the matter to the Billings city attorney’s office for an independent review.

English teachers McKenzie Waterson and Jake Music said the decision left staff shocked and angry. They stated that the announcement forced educators to rely on one another for support. Waterson said the group wanted to take care of teachers in their community. Music described the prevailing emotion as anger and noted that teachers leaned on their brother and sisterhood to cope.

The teachers clarified that their frustration targets the criminal investigation outcome rather than the school district. They want accountability and changes that make staff and students safer. Music said some decisions create a precedent that violence against teachers is acceptable. Waterson added that violence is not in a teacher's job description and that educators are there to educate and protect children, not put their lives on the line.

Students joined the picket to support their teachers and push for a safer school environment. Freshman Jonnie Carter said it is good to step out and go for what is right. Student Danielle Calley said authorities had a chance to take charge but did not.

Billings Public Schools Superintendent Erwin Garcia expressed frustration with the decision in a statement released Friday. He described the incident as painful for the community, particularly for teachers and students. Garcia said the district plans to conduct its own investigation now that law enforcement work is complete. The district also intends to seek access to additional information, including criminal justice records, through the court.

The stabbing occurred on Jan. 13, 2026, after school hours during a wrestling meet on the school’s third floor. The incident prompted an evacuation. The district reported the event to police and cooperated with investigators. An initial district statement said a teacher had been stabbed, but police did not corroborate that description in subsequent reporting.

George Brauchler, a district attorney for Colorado’s 23rd Judicial District, explained that prosecutors must have a good-faith basis to believe the accused committed a crime and a reasonable likelihood of success at trial. He said the referral does not mean no criminal conduct occurred, but the evidence may not support a specific charge. Brauchler noted that conflicting witness accounts can complicate cases. He added that the county attorney's office maintains the ability to file charges until the statute of limitations expires.