The Baytown community is reeling after prosecutors say 18-year-old Aundre Matthews fatally stabbed 16-year-old Andrew Meismer with scissors during an argument over a $21 THC vape pen at Ross S. Sterling High School on Dec. 17. Surveillance footage and witness accounts describe a confrontation that moved from a bathroom to an empty lab classroom, where Meismer was stabbed in the neck and later died at a hospital. Matthews was arrested the same day, charged with murder and is being held on a $3 million bond pending a Jan. 7 hearing. His attorney has asked for a reduced bond, citing no prior criminal history.
Baytown Teen Charged With Murder After Classmate Fatally Stabbed Over $21 Vape Pen
GoFundMeAndrew Meismer
An 18-year-old Baytown high school student has been arrested and charged with murder after prosecutors say he fatally stabbed a 16-year-old classmate with scissors during an argument about a $21 THC vape pen.
What Happened
According to the criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE, Aundre Lebron Demond Matthews, 18, was taken into custody on Dec. 17 and charged in connection with the death of sophomore Andrew Meismer, 16. Baytown police responded to Ross S. Sterling High School at 10:42 a.m. that day after receiving a report of an aggravated assault.
Prosecutors say surveillance footage shows the two students walking into a classroom together around 10:30 a.m., appearing friendly. Both students asked to be excused to use the restroom. Investigators allege the dispute began in the bathroom when Matthews accused Meismer of taking his THC vape pen, valued at roughly $21.
Alleged Sequence Of Events
Prosecutors say Matthews followed Meismer into the bathroom, searched him and found a pair of scissors, which Matthews allegedly put into his waistband. The pair then left the restroom and went into an empty lab classroom, where witnesses say an argument continued. A female student told investigators she saw Matthews strike Meismer before the two began fighting.
Harris County District Attorney's OfficeAundre Matthews mugshot
Matthews reportedly told police Meismer pushed him away and struck him twice in the head. Fearing he would be overpowered, prosecutors say Matthews retrieved the scissors and stabbed Meismer in the neck. Witnesses told investigators they saw a large amount of blood, and a teacher ran into the room after hearing cries for help. The teacher allegedly found Matthews holding Meismer by the neck and attempted to pull him away.
Emergency responders airlifted Meismer to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities said the cause of death was a puncture wound to the neck.
Legal Proceedings And Community Reaction
Matthews is being held on a $3 million bond and is scheduled for a hearing on Jan. 7, according to online court records. His court-appointed attorney, Gianpaolo Macerola, asked the judge to set bond at $500,000, arguing Matthews has no prior criminal history.
"He had deep connections with everyone and I'm trying not to only think of myself right now and also support everyone who loved him," Meismer’s girlfriend, Ikelle Fevrier, told KHOU, describing the shock felt across the school community.
Matthews’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The investigation and legal process are ongoing, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
