Baytown, Texas — An 18-year-old high school senior is behind bars after authorities say he stabbed a 16-year-old classmate to death with a pair of scissors during a confrontation inside a science classroom, allegedly sparked by a missing $21 THC vape pen.
Police arrested Aundre Matthews, charging him with murder in the death of Andrew Meismer, a student at Sterling High School. The deadly incident unfolded around 11:15 a.m. Wednesday at the campus in Baytown, located east of Houston.
What investigators say happened inside the classroom
According to prosecutors with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, a teacher told police that Meismer asked to use the restroom, and Matthews followed minutes later. Shortly afterward, the teacher heard a cry for help and went to investigate.
The teacher reported seeing Matthews with his arm around Meismer’s neck in a chokehold and observed blood coming from the teen’s neck and body. Despite attempts to pull Matthews away, the suspect allegedly would not release his grip, prosecutors said.
Surveillance video and witness accounts
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed both students entering a classroom, followed by another student witness. That student told police she heard Matthews accuse Meismer of stealing his $21 THC vape pen. A physical fight broke out, and the witness reported seeing “a lot of blood” on Meismer.
The alleged confrontation and the weapon
Prosecutors said Matthews later told police, during a Mirandized interview, that he followed Meismer to the bathroom to confront him about the missing vape. Matthews claimed he searched Meismer’s pockets but did not find the vape. Instead, he said he discovered a pair of scissors on Meismer and took them away…