A teacher at Hope Creek Academy in Durham, Kellen L. Cuttance, was arrested on December 31, 2024, after making an alarming comment to a colleague. According to reports, Cuttance stated, “I’ll shoot the school up, but don’t worry because you are too pretty to be shot.” This remark led to the teacher’s arrest for communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property.
Hope Creek Academy is a nonprofit school that caters to neurodivergent students and is located on Erwin Road in Durham. The comment was overheard by a colleague, prompting immediate action.
Kaylee Rochelle, another teacher from the Triangle area, spoke out about the incident, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safe environments in schools. She said, “Schools are meant to be safe places and safe havens for children who fight a lot of battles that we are not aware of,” reflecting the concern many educators have about the security of their students.
Cuttance’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing even indirect threats in educational settings to ensure safety and peace of mind for both students and staff.