A tragic dispute over a missing THC vape pen, valued at around $21, has allegedly led to the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old high school student by his 18-year-old friend in Texas.
The Fatal Confrontation at Ross S. Sterling High School
Aundre Matthews, 18, has been charged with murder following the death of Andrew Meismer, 16, last Wednesday at Ross S. Sterling High School in Baytown, approximately 30 miles east of Houston. The incident unfolded after Matthews confronted Meismer about a missing THC vape pen he believed the younger student had stolen.
Surveillance footage from the morning of the attack reportedly showed the two teens acting amicably as they entered a classroom together around 10:30 am. The situation escalated after both students separately asked to use the restroom. According to prosecutors, Matthews followed Meismer and allegedly searched him, finding a pair of scissors in his pocket.
Eyewitness Account of the Violent Attack
The altercation moved to an empty laboratory classroom, where an unnamed female student witnessed the events. She told authorities she heard Matthews accuse Meismer of stealing the vape pen and demanding approximately $21 for the drug paraphernalia.
The confrontation turned physical, with Matthews allegedly hitting Meismer before the pair began brawling. The witness claimed Matthews then choked Meismer, drawing a significant amount of blood from his neck. After fleeing the room screaming for help, her cries alerted a teacher who returned to find Matthews choking a bloodied Meismer. The teacher intervened, breaking Matthews's grip and separating the students.
Less than an hour later, at about 11:53 am, Andrew Meismer was declared dead. Investigators stated the cause was a puncture wound to the neck, consistent with being stabbed by scissors.
Legal Proceedings and School Safety Concerns
Matthews was arrested by the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District Police Department. He is currently being held at Harris County Jail on a $3 million bond until his next court appearance on January 7. His defence attorney, Gianpaolo Macerola, requested a lower bond of $500,000, which was denied.
Matthews reportedly admitted to being friends with Meismer and to following him about the missing vape. He claimed he acted in self-defence, fearing Meismer's greater size, though investigators noted both teens appeared of equivalent build in surveillance footage. He denied allegations he stomped on Meismer's head after the attack.
The case has raised serious questions about school safety. A former teacher in the Goose Creek district, Kim Luckett, stated she had previously warned administrators about Matthews's escalating disciplinary issues, which included multiple in-school suspensions. She resigned months ago over safety concerns, telling ABC13, "Mark my word, if we do not get a handle on it as admin, somebody is going to die."
In a statement, Superintendent Randal O'Brien expressed the district's grief: "Our hearts are heavy as we grieve this unimaginable loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the student's family, friends, classmates, and all who are impacted by this tragedy." The incident was followed by two days of student protests outside the school.
A GoFundMe page set up for the Meismer family had raised about $4,500 of a $9,000 goal by Tuesday afternoon, with funds intended for legal fees and living expenses.
