In Baytown, Texas, an 18-year-old student faces murder charges following the fatal stabbing of a fellow student during an altercation at a high school near Houston. Community members, including both students and former staff, believe this tragic incident was avoidable.

Aundre Matthews stands accused of killing Andrew Meismer on Wednesday at Sterling High School. The incident, which escalated into violence during a science class, involved a confrontation between the two students, as noted in court documents accessed by ABC13.

Authorities report that the conflict originated over a $21 vape pen that Matthews claimed was missing and suspected Meismer had taken. According to court records, both students left class to go to the restroom, where the argument over the vape pen turned physical.

During Friday’s court proceedings, prosecutors revealed that Matthews allegedly searched Meismer’s pockets for the vape pen. Although unsuccessful, Matthews found a pair of scissors, which he then concealed in his waistband.

Subsequently, the students returned to a science lab. A teacher intervened after hearing cries for help from another student and discovered Matthews restraining Meismer in a chokehold. Despite the teacher’s attempts to stop the confrontation, Meismer had already suffered multiple stab wounds inflicted by the scissors.

During Matthews’ initial court appearance, prosecutors claimed that he confessed to using the scissors to stab Meismer, including a stab to the eye. The court set Matthews’ bond at $3 million.

Meismer was flown to the hospital, where he later died.

In the days following the stabbing, students and teachers have rallied daily at Sterling High School, demanding accountability and justice. Many said the violence should never have reached this point.

“My best friend is dead. Somebody’s son is dead. Somebody’s boyfriend is dead,” said student Sariah Trevino.

Several students told ABC13 they were aware of Matthews having a lengthy disciplinary history, including previous violent incidents, yet said he was repeatedly allowed to return to campus.

Former teacher Kim Luckett, who worked at Goose Creek ISD for nearly a decade and had Meismer as a student, echoed those concerns. She said she warned district leadership last year that discipline problems were escalating.

“I went and had a meeting with (the superintendent’s) secretary and said things are out of control,” Luckett said. “Mark my word, if we do not get a handle on it as admin, somebody is going to die.”

Luckett said Matthews had been placed in in-school suspension numerous times and had multiple disciplinary incidents involving other students. She believes the district’s lack of response to questions from media and students is due to its inability to defend what she calls inaction. Luckett said she resigned months ago, citing safety concerns.

“Schools should be providing safe places for our children, and Goose Creek is not a safe place for our children right now,” she said.

Goose Creek ISD released a brief statement Friday confirming Matthews’ arrest and murder charge but continues to decline requests for further comment.

Matthews is next scheduled to appear in court on January 7th.