BAYTOWN, Texas (KTRK) — An 18-year-old student has been charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of a classmate during a fight at Sterling High School, a tragedy that students and former staff say could have been prevented.
Aundre Matthews is accused of killing Andrew Meismer, who was stabbed on Wednesday after a confrontation between the two escalated during a science class, according to court records obtained by ABC13.
Investigators say the dispute began over a $21 vape pen Matthews said was missing and believed that Meismer took. Court records show the two students were excused from class to use the restroom, where they began fighting over the vape.
Prosecutors stated during an initial court appearance on Friday that during the altercation, Matthews searched Meismer’s pockets looking for the vape. While he did not find it, he did find a pair of scissors, which he placed in his waistband.
The students then entered a science lab. Prosecutors say that a teacher responded after hearing another student yell for help and found Matthews holding Meismer in a chokehold. The teacher attempted to intervene, but Meismer had already been stabbed multiple times with the scissors.
During Matthews’ first court appearance Friday, prosecutors alleged Matthews admitted to retrieving the scissors and stabbing Meismer, including in the eye. His bond was set at $3 million.
Meismer was flown to the hospital, where he later died.
In the days following the stabbing, students and teachers have rallied daily at Sterling High School, demanding accountability and justice. Many said the violence should never have reached this point.
“My best friend is dead. Somebody’s son is dead. Somebody’s boyfriend is dead,” said student Sariah Trevino.
Several students told ABC13 they were aware of Matthews having a lengthy disciplinary history, including previous violent incidents, yet said he was repeatedly allowed to return to campus.
Former teacher Kim Luckett, who worked at Goose Creek ISD for nearly a decade and had Meismer as a student, echoed those concerns. She said she warned district leadership last year that discipline problems were escalating.
“I went and had a meeting with (the superintendent’s) secretary and said things are out of control,” Luckett said. “Mark my word, if we do not get a handle on it as admin, somebody is going to die.”
Luckett said Matthews had been placed in in-school suspension numerous times and had multiple disciplinary incidents involving other students. She believes the district’s lack of response to questions from the media and students is due to its inability to defend what she calls inaction. Luckett said she resigned months ago due to safety concerns.
“Schools should be providing safe places for our children, and Goose Creek is not a safe place for our children right now,” she said.
Goose Creek ISD released a brief statement Friday confirming Matthews’ arrest and murder charge, but continues to decline requests for further comment.
Matthews is next scheduled to appear in court on January 7th.
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