An 18-year-old student has been charged with murder after fatally stabbing a classmate with scissors during a fight over a vape pen at Sterling High School in Baytown.
Aundre Matthews is accused of killing 16-year-old Andrew Meismer in a science lab classroom on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The incident occurred at 10:42 a.m. when a dispute between the two students escalated into violence.
The confrontation began over a missing THC vape pen valued at $21. Matthews believed Meismer had taken the vape pen, sparking the deadly chain of events that unfolded during what should have been an ordinary school day at Ross S. Sterling High School.
The fight started in a bathroom after both students were excused from class. During the altercation, Matthews searched Meismer’s pockets looking for the vape pen. While he did not find the vape pen, he discovered a pair of scissors in Meismer’s pocket, which he took and placed in his waistband.
The two students then entered a science lab classroom, where the confrontation continued. A teacher responded after hearing calls for help and found Matthews holding Meismer in a chokehold. Despite the teacher’s attempts to intervene, Meismer had already been stabbed multiple times with the scissors Matthews had taken from his pocket.
Meismer was flown to a hospital by Life Flight but later died from a stab wound to his neck. Matthews was taken into custody and initially booked into the Baytown Municipal Jail before being transferred to the Harris County Jail.
During questioning, Matthews admitted to stabbing Meismer. He told investigators the sequence of events that led to the fatal confrontation in the science lab.
A judge set Matthews’ bond at $3 million on December 19, 2025, but temporarily denied bail. A bail hearing has been scheduled for early January. Matthews’ next court appearance is set for January 7, 2026.
Gianpaolo Macerola, Matthews’ defense attorney, noted that his client has no criminal history prior to this incident. Surveillance video from the school shows both students were similar in size, contradicting later claims about physical disparities between the two.
The tragedy has shaken the Goose Creek CISD community. Superintendent Randal O’Brien addressed the incident in a statement posted to the district’s website. “My heart is heavy as I join the community in grieving yesterday’s tragedy at Sterling High School,” O’Brien said. “We are mourning the loss of a student, and our deepest condolences are with the student’s family, friends, and all Sterling Rangers.”
Students returned to Sterling High School on Friday following the Wednesday incident. A group of students protested outside the school, demanding answers and accountability from district administrators about campus safety and disciplinary procedures.
Kim Luckett, a former teacher at the school, came forward with concerns about safety at Goose Creek CISD. Luckett had previously warned administration about escalating safety issues on campus before resigning from her position.
In his statement, O’Brien acknowledged the difficult balance school districts face in addressing student behavior. “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 district provided in-person support to students and staff following the incident. The school remained operational after the initial lockdown and investigation, though the emotional impact on the Sterling High School community continues.
The case has raised questions about student safety protocols, conflict resolution procedures, and the adequacy of school security measures. The dispute that led to Meismer’s death began as a disagreement over an item worth less than $25, underscoring how quickly conflicts between students can escalate to deadly violence.
Matthews faces a murder charge as an adult despite his age. The $3 million bond reflects the severity of the charges and the fact that a student died on school property during what should have been a safe learning environment.
The investigation into the stabbing continues as prosecutors build their case against Matthews. The January bail hearing will determine whether Matthews can be released from the Harris County Jail pending trial, though the high bond amount and temporary denial suggest the court views him as a significant flight risk or danger to the community.
The tragedy at Sterling High School adds to growing national concerns about violence in schools and the challenges educators face in maintaining safe learning environments. The incident has left one family mourning the loss of a 16-year-old son and another family grappling with their 18-year-old facing life-altering criminal charges over a vape pen dispute that spiraled fatally out of control.
