Bond denied for student accused of stabbing Baytown Sterling HS classmate to death

Bond denied for student accused of stabbing Baytown Sterling HS classmate to death

Miya Shay

Thu, January 8, 2026 at 12:29 AM UTC

3 min read

An 18-year-old student charged with murder in the stabbing death of a classmate was denied bond on Wednesday.

Aundre Matthews is accused of killing Andrew Meismer after a fight between the two escalated during a science class at Sterling High School in Baytown, according to court records. Investigators say the dispute began over a $21 vape pen Matthews said was missing and believed that Meismer took.

During Wednesday's hearing, Cory Scott, an investigator with the Goose Creek Police Department, testified to seeing "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 a defendant be held with no bond in non-capital offenses.

"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 ensure that people (who) shouldn't be out get to stay in," Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said following 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 was not 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 poses an ongoing threat to the community.

"It took over a minute to pry this defendant from this victim," a prosecutor said in court, adding that Matthews allegedly held Meismer in a chokehold as blood poured from his wounds.

The state also introduced Matthews' school disciplinary records, which prosecutors said showed an escalating pattern of behavior, including a prior incident in which he allegedly brought a knife to school.

Judge Emily Detoto cited those school records as a key factor in her decision to deny bond.

"The school records are voluminous," DA Teare said, "and they indicate an escalating pattern of behavior."

Matthews' defense attorney, Gian Paolo Mecerola, said he was not surprised by the ruling but argued that 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, it 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 whole new for everyone," Teare said of the bond denial process. "We don't have a full-time frame yet."

Andrew Meissmer's family attended the hearing but declined to comment afterward.

The case remains in its early stages, and Matthews will continue to be held without bond as the legal process continues.

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