Baytown, Texas – A tragic act of violence inside a classroom at Ross S. Sterling High School has left the Baytown community in mourning after a student who was stabbed with scissors during a fight died Wednesday afternoon, authorities and school officials confirmed.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among parents, prompted a murder charge against another student, and led the school district to announce counseling services as families grapple with the emotional aftermath.
Classroom Fight Escalates Into Deadly Stabbing
According to the Baytown Police Department, officers were dispatched to reports of a stabbing at a local high school at approximately 10:42 a.m. on Wednesday.
Investigators later confirmed the stabbing occurred inside a classroom at Ross S. Sterling High School, where a physical altercation broke out between two male students.
During the fight, authorities say one student stabbed the other with a pair of scissors. Both individuals involved were students at the school. Officials confirmed the suspect is 18 years old, while the victim was a minor.
Victim Airlifted, Later Dies at Hospital
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and the injured student was initially slated to be airlifted directly from campus.
However, the Baytown Fire Department confirmed that weather complications prevented Life Flight from landing at the school. Instead, the student was transported by ambulance to Baytown Airport, where a medical helicopter was able to take off.
Despite lifesaving efforts, the student later succumbed to his injuries. At approximately 3:35 p.m., reporters confirmed the student had died at the hospital.
School Placed on Temporary Hold
Following the incident, Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) placed Ross S. Sterling High School on a temporary hold, restricting movement on campus while authorities investigated.
District officials said parents of both students were immediately notified, and the hold was lifted later that day. The district emphasized that there was no ongoing threat to students or staff.
Murder Charge Filed Against One Student
The Goose Creek CISD Police Department is leading the investigation into the stabbing.
Authorities confirmed that one student has been arrested and charged with murder. Jail records show an 18-year-old is the only individual booked in connection with the case.
The district stated it will not release the identities of either the victim or the suspect at this time, citing the ongoing investigation and privacy concerns.
Parents Express Fear, Grief, and Anger
In the hours following the tragedy, many parents said they were overwhelmed by fear and heartbreak.
Several families told reporters they will not send their children to school Thursday, citing emotional trauma and concerns over safety.
One parent, Tessa Drakos, shared the devastating message she received from her son while the school was on lockdown.
“I immediately text my son and he told me, he said, ‘Mom, my friend got stabbed,’” Drakos said.
She later learned that her son’s close friend was the victim.
Remembering the Victim
Drakos described the victim as a kind, joyful student who brought laughter to those around him.
“He was the type of kid that would dress up in a clown suit just to make you laugh,” she said. “He didn’t have an ill bone in his body. Everybody loved him.”
Her words echoed the sentiments of many parents and students who described the victim as well-liked and full of life.
Community Calls for Accountability and Change
Outside the Baytown jail, school police were seen as the investigation continued. The tragedy has reignited conversations about school safety, student conflict, and the need for greater intervention before disputes escalate into violence.
“It’s just sad, and we’ve got to do better,” Drakos said. “It doesn’t just take parents—it takes teachers, it takes schools, it takes everyone pitching in.”
Counseling Services Announced
In response to the incident, Goose Creek ISD announced it will begin offering counseling services for students and staff starting Thursday to help the school community process the loss.
District officials encouraged families to take advantage of available mental health resources and to reach out for support during this difficult time.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities stress that the investigation remains active, and additional details may be released as the case progresses through the legal system.
For now, the focus remains on supporting grieving students, families, and staff while ensuring accountability and safety moving forward.
Should schools take stronger steps to prevent violence before conflicts turn deadly? How can communities better support students emotionally and mentally? Share your thoughts, concerns, and condolences in the comments below.
