An 18-year-old student charged with murder in the stabbing death of a classmate was denied bond Wednesday.
Aundre Matthews is accused of killing Andrew Meismer after a fight between the two escalated during science class at Sterling High School in Baytown, according to court records. Investigators said the dispute started over a $21 vape pen that Matthews said was missing and he believes Meismer took.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Cory Scott, an investigator with the Goose Creek Police Department, testified that he saw “quite a bit” of blood in the classroom, on the floor, and splattered on the wall on the day of the incident.
Wednesday’s hearing was also one of the first under the new state law in which a prosecutor can request that a defendant be held without bond in non-capital crimes.
“It’s brand new. This is the constitutional amendment that, as we’ve talked about, gives prosecutors and the judiciary another tool in the toolbox to make sure people (who) shouldn’t be out to stay in,” Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said after Matthews’ hearing.
During the hearing, Matthews showed no visible emotion as prosecutors and defense attorneys argued whether he should be eligible for bond. Meismer’s family was present in the courtroom.
Detective Scott also presented surveillance video from inside the school. While the video has not been released publicly, prosecutors described footage showing Matthews and Meismer entering an empty science lab together. Minutes later, a teacher’s aide was seen pushing Matthews out of the room.
Prosecutors told the judge that Matthews stabbed Meismer inside the lab and argued that Matthews is a continuing threat to the community.
“It took over a minute to remove this defendant from this victim,” a prosecutor said in court, adding that Matthews allegedly held Meismer in a handcuff as blood flowed from his wounds.
The state also introduced Matthews’ school disciplinary records, which prosecutors said showed a pattern of escalating behavior, including an earlier incident in which he allegedly brought a knife to school.
Judge Emily Detoto cited those school records as a major factor in her decision to deny bond.
“The school’s records are voluminous,” DA Teare said, “and indicate an increasing pattern of behavior.”
Matthews’ defense attorney, Gian Paolo Mecerola, said he was not surprised by the sentence but claimed that the responsibility also lies with the school district. He noted that Matthews was part of a special education program and said the district was aware of behavioral concerns but allowed him to continue attending school.
“There are clearly issues here,” Mecerola said, adding that Matthews is being raised by his sister, who is his legal guardian. He said he is continuing to investigate those circumstances.
District Attorney Teare emphasized that the hearing was not a determination of guilt or innocence. Instead, he said, he was narrowly focused on whether Matthews should remain in custody while the case moves forward. The case has not yet been presented to a grand jury, and no trial date has been set.
“This is completely new to everybody,” Teare said of the bond rejection process. “We don’t have a full-time frame yet.”
Andrew Meissmer’s family attended the hearing but declined to comment afterward.
The case is still in its early stages, and Matthews will continue to be held without bond as the legal process continues.
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