A staggering $3 million bond was set for Aundre Matthews, the 18-year-old Sterling High School student charged with the murder of his classmate, Andrew Meismer, in an incident that prosecutors allege was sparked over a dispute for a $21 THC vape pen, as reported by FOX 26 Houston. According to court documents, the deadly altercation took place last week when both students, excused from class, entered into a confrontation which led Matthews to purportedly search Meismer's pockets, find a pair of scissors instead of the vape pen, and subsequently stab him in the neck.
During a vigil held at Bicentennial Park, Meismer's girlfriend, Ikelle Fevrier, shared with KHOU that the pair had planned to spend the holidays together, stating, "This year we got together, and I didn't even get to make my three months with him or have Christmas with him." The vigil was a moment to honor Meismer's life, where mourners wore clown makeup, a tribute to his practice of dressing up to bring joy to others. Fevrier's heartfelt intention was clear: “I’m going to make sure everybody knows my boyfriend’s name."
In the court proceedings, Matthews’ attorney, Gianpaolo Macerola, reportedly told FOX 26 Houston about the necessity of reviewing surveillance videos, “I need to see that surveillance video, I need to see what happened in terms of all the claims that were read in that probable cause affidavit." The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has declined to comment, with Matthews’ bond review set for January 7, and his subsequent court appearance following shortly thereafter.
Matthews' initial bond request, which was much lower at $500,000 by his defense attorney, was summarily overridden by Judge Emily Munoz Detoto, in favor of the significantly higher $3 million figure; Matthews was transferred from the Baytown Jail to Harris County Jail, a move that came amidst a backdrop of student-led protests outside Sterling High School for a second consecutive day, as the community grapples with the tragic loss and its aftermath as detailed by KHOU.
