In Baytown, Texas, an 18-year-old student faces murder charges following the deadly stabbing of a fellow student at a high school near Houston. The incident, according to accounts from students and former staff, might have been avoided.

Aundre Matthews stands accused of killing Andrew Meismer during a violent encounter that erupted during a science class at Sterling High School. Court documents, as reported by ABC13, reveal that the altercation turned fatal last Wednesday.

The conflict reportedly started over a $21 vape pen that Matthews claimed was missing and suspected Meismer of taking. The students were granted permission to leave class to use the restroom, where the disagreement over the vape pen devolved into a physical fight.

During an initial court hearing on Friday, prosecutors highlighted that while searching Meismer’s pockets for the vape pen, Matthews discovered a pair of scissors and tucked them into his waistband. Despite not finding the vape pen, the situation escalated.

The confrontation continued into a science lab, where a teacher rushed to intervene after hearing calls for help from another student. Prosecutors allege that Matthews had Meismer in a chokehold when the teacher arrived. Despite the teacher’s efforts to break up the fight, Meismer had already suffered multiple stab wounds inflicted with the scissors.

During Matthews’ first court appearance Friday, prosecutors alleged Matthews admitted to retrieving the scissors and stabbing Meismer, including in the eye. His bond was set 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.