KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX/Gray News) – A student at a Texas middle school stabbed another student to death on Monday, according to the district.
The family of the victim identified her as 14-year-old Serenity Baker.
At about 11:25 a.m. Monday, an altercation between two students at Roy. J Smith Middle School resulted in a stabbing, police said.
Serenity died at the hospital, police said.
Killeen Independent School District called the death a tragedy.
“Our hearts are heavy as we navigate this difficult time together,” said KISD Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Fey.
The student who is accused of stabbing Serenity has not been named, but the Killeen Police Department confirmed she is a female student.
Officials said the attacker was “quickly apprehended” but have not given further information.
The school was placed on lockdown Monday and parents were later asked to come pick up their students at a designated reunion spot.
One mother, Renee Calzado, said she is considering homeschooling her children following the tragic event.
“I’m seriously considering homeschooling my children,” Calzado said. “I knew the situation was dire. My main concern was my children and the family members I have that work at the school.”
The superintendent has decided to allow the students at the school to take time off until after spring break. Classes for students will resume on Monday, March 24.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Serenity’s family pay for her funeral.
“Serenity was a bright, loving, and compassionate young soul with a promising future ahead of her,” the GoFundMe reads. “She brought joy to everyone around her, and her kindness touched so many lives.”
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