Baytown, Texas — An 18-year-old high school senior is behind bars after authorities say he stabbed a 16-year-old classmate to death with a pair of scissors during a confrontation inside a science classroom, allegedly sparked by a missing $21 THC vape pen.
Police arrested Aundre Matthews, charging him with murder in the death of Andrew Meismer, a student at Sterling High School. The deadly incident unfolded around 11:15 a.m. Wednesday at the campus in Baytown, located east of Houston.
What investigators say happened inside the classroom
According to prosecutors with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, a teacher told police that Meismer asked to use the restroom, and Matthews followed minutes later. Shortly afterward, the teacher heard a cry for help and went to investigate.
The teacher reported seeing Matthews with his arm around Meismer’s neck in a chokehold and observed blood coming from the teen’s neck and body. Despite attempts to pull Matthews away, the suspect allegedly would not release his grip, prosecutors said.
Surveillance video and witness accounts
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed both students entering a classroom, followed by another student witness. That student told police she heard Matthews accuse Meismer of stealing his $21 THC vape pen. A physical fight broke out, and the witness reported seeing “a lot of blood” on Meismer.
The alleged confrontation and the weapon
Prosecutors said Matthews later told police, during a Mirandized interview, that he followed Meismer to the bathroom to confront him about the missing vape. Matthews claimed he searched Meismer’s pockets but did not find the vape. Instead, he said he discovered a pair of scissors on Meismer and took them away.
The two then walked to a nearby classroom, where Matthews allegedly searched Meismer’s pockets again. Prosecutors said a pushing match followed, after which Matthews allegedly stabbed Meismer in the neck with the scissors.
Matthews told investigators he acted in self-defense, claiming Meismer was physically larger. Prosecutors disputed that claim, stating the evidence does not support self-defense.
Emergency response and death
Paramedics rushed Meismer to a nearby hospital, but he died less than an hour later from his injuries.
Prior discipline concerns raised by former teacher
Matthews’ attorney noted that his client has no prior criminal record. However, a former teacher at the school, Kim Luckett, said Matthews had received multiple in-school suspensions in the past for altercations with other students.
“It’s a rap sheet that’s a mile long,” Luckett said in a television interview.
Luckett also said she had previously warned administrators about escalating discipline issues on campus.
“I went and had a meeting with [the superintendent’s] secretary and said things are out of control,” she stated. “Mark my word, if we do not get a handle on it as admin, somebody is going to die.”
Defense response and next court date
Defense attorney Gianpaolo Macerola said he wants to review school surveillance footage before drawing conclusions.
“I need to see what happened in terms of all the claims that were read in that probable cause affidavit,” Macerola said.
Matthews remains held at the Harris County Jail on a $3 million bond. His next court hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2026.
A broader conversation about school safety
The fatal stabbing has intensified concerns about school safety, campus discipline, and student conflict escalation. Education and safety experts have repeatedly warned that unaddressed behavioral issues, access to potential weapons, and substance-related disputes can quickly turn deadly in school environments.
As investigators continue to review evidence, the Baytown community is left mourning the loss of a teenager and grappling with questions about prevention, accountability, and oversight inside schools.
If you have thoughts on how schools can better prevent violent confrontations, share your experiences in the comments below.