Prosecutors to Reach Decision in High School Stabbing
The Yellowstone County Attorney expects to announce a charging decision this week regarding a January incident at Billings Senior High.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Yellowstone County Attorney's Office plans to reach a decision this week on a stabbing case involving a teacher and a student that occurred at Billings Senior High School on January 13, 2026. No charges have been filed in the incident as of October 20.
Why it matters
The investigation, which landed with the County Attorney's Office in June, required significant time and resources due to the complexity of the case. Authorities utilized subpoenas and interviews with students to gather the necessary evidence for a final determination.
The incident occurred 10 months ago, with the case moving to the prosecutor 5 months after the initial event. While teacher Jason Rader remains employed by Billings School District 2, he has not returned to the classroom since the stabbing.
The players
Jason Rader
He is a teacher at Billings Senior High School involved in the January incident who remains employed by the district.
Scott Twito
He is the current Yellowstone County attorney who will transition to the role of interim U.S. attorney for the District of Montana.
The details
The Yellowstone County Attorney's Office has spent months conducting interviews and issuing subpoenas to build their case. The transition of leadership in the office is approaching, as County Attorney Scott Twito is set to leave his post by the end of the week.
Timeline
January 13, 2026: The stabbing incident occurred at Billings Senior High School.
June 2026: The case reached the Yellowstone County Attorney's Office.
October 20, 2026: Official update provided on the case status.
Week of October 19, 2026: A final charging decision is expected.
October 25, 2026: Scott Twito leaves his position as County Attorney.
Culture Shift
The legal review process follows standard protocols established by Montana's state statutes governing felony assault charges. This case highlights the complexities involved when investigators must balance thorough evidence collection with public expectations for timely school-related outcomes.
Residents in Billings may see continued community interest as the legal process moves toward its next phase. The outcome will likely influence ongoing discussions regarding safety and administrative protocols within the Billings School District 2.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the time-intensive nature of criminal investigations within educational settings. Community members should remain patient as officials finalize their review of the evidence.
Further reading
For more information on school policies, visit the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Q2 News (KTVQ).
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