An 18-year-old student has been charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of a classmate at Ross S. Sterling High School in Baytown, Texas, following a confrontation over a missing vape pen that escalated into deadly violence inside a science lab classroom.
Aundre Matthews stabbed 16-year-old Andrew Meismer with scissors on December 17, 2025, during a fight that began in a restroom and continued into the science lab. Meismer died from a stab wound to the neck. Matthews was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and booked into the Baytown Municipal Jail before being transferred to the Harris County Jail.
A judge set Matthews’ bond at $3 million during a Friday court appearance but temporarily denied bail, pending a hearing scheduled for early January. His next court date is January 7, 2026.
The deadly confrontation stemmed from a dispute over a $21 THC vape pen. Matthews believed Meismer had taken the missing item and confronted him in the restroom. The fight escalated when the two students entered the science lab classroom, where Matthews took scissors from Meismer’s pocket during the altercation.
A female student witnessed the attack and saw Matthews choking Meismer. She ran from the classroom screaming for help. A teacher responded and found Matthews holding Meismer in a chokehold. The teacher attempted to intervene, but Meismer had already sustained fatal injuries.
The incident occurred around 10:42 a.m. Meismer was flown to the hospital by Life Flight but died at around 11:53 a.m.
Matthews admitted to stabbing Meismer and later claimed self-defense. His defense attorney, Gianpaolo Macerola, noted that Matthews has no criminal history.
The school is part of Goose Creek CISD, located east of Houston in the Baytown area. The district confirmed on Wednesday that a Sterling student had died after a fight on campus.
“My heart is heavy as I join the community in grieving yesterday’s tragedy at Sterling High School,” Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Randal O’Brien said in a statement posted to the district’s website. “We are mourning the loss of a student, and our deepest condolences are with the student’s family, friends, and all Sterling Rangers.”
Sterling High School reopened on Thursday. Students protested outside the school that day, demanding accountability following the deadly incident.
O’Brien addressed ongoing concerns about student safety in his statement. “Please know that Goose Creek CISD takes student behavior very seriously and works diligently to address concerns as they arise,” he said. “At the same time, our responses to student misconduct are guided and, at times, limited by state and federal law. These laws exist to protect students and families, even when outcomes are difficult to understand in the aftermath of tragedy.”
The superintendent said the district was providing in-person support to students and staff following the tragedy.
Kim Luckett, a former teacher at the school, said she had previously warned district officials about safety issues at Sterling High School. Luckett had taught in Goose Creek CISD and knew Meismer as a student before she resigned from her position.
The case has drawn attention to ongoing debates about school safety protocols and disciplinary measures in Texas schools. The high bond amount reflects the severity of the charges Matthews faces, though his attorney has argued that his lack of criminal history should be considered in bail decisions.
The fight between the two students highlights the dangers that can emerge from seemingly minor disputes. What began as an accusation over a missing vape pen worth $21 ended in a student’s death and another student facing a murder charge that could result in significant prison time.
School officials continue to work with law enforcement as the investigation proceeds. The district has faced questions from students, parents, and community members about how such violence could occur on campus during school hours and what measures are in place to prevent similar incidents.
The case remains under active investigation as prosecutors prepare for the upcoming court proceedings in January.
