Student at Roy J. Smith Middle School stabbed and killed by fellow classmate

KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) – Roy. J Smith Middle School was placed on lockdown Monday afternoon after a 14-year-old student was stabbed and killed earlier in the day, the school district confirmed.

“Killeen ISD is deeply saddened to share the tragic news that happened at Roy J. Middle School,” said said Karen Rudolph with Killeen ISD. “Our hearts go out to the family, friends and school community as we grieve a heartbreaking loss today.”

At about 11:25 a.m., an altercation between two students resulted in a stabbing, said KISD Chief of Police Erik Hydorn. The attacker was quickly apprehended and the student who was stabbed was quickly transported to the Carl R. Darnell Army Medical Center.

“The victim succumbed to her injuries” at the hospital, Hydorn further said. A homicide investigation is underway. The Killeen Police Department confirmed the accused attacker is a female student.

The school lockdown was first reported by Principal Fred Lily said in a message to families.

“Smith Families, we want to inform you of a situation that occurred on our campus this morning. A student was injured and is being transported to receive medical care,” the principal wrote at the time. The district’s police department has since confirmed the student succumbed to their wounds.

“Our school has been placed in a LOCKDOWN status. Students will not be released during a LOCKDOWN,” the message further states.

Lily said there is no ongoing threat to students or staff. Law enforcement are “actively investigating,” he said.

“We understand that this may be concerning, and we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priority. We will update you as soon as possible,” the message states.

All students were bussed to Manna Church at 1826 Stagecoach Road in Killeen where parents or guardians picked them up.

Isabella Quintanilla is outside Mana Church in Killeen, Texas where parents are picking up kids after school lockdown

To ensure a safe and orderly process, parents picking up students had to follow these procedures:

Bring a Photo ID: Students will only be released to parents/guardians or emergency contacts listed in school records.
You will be asked to complete a Reunification Card for each student you are attempting to pick up.
Please Be Patient: Students will be released one at a time to ensure accuracy and safety.

Follow Instructions from Staff and Law Enforcement: We ask for your cooperation as we work through this process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“We understand that this may be a stressful time, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to reunite families safely,” Killeen ISD said.

Roy J. Middle School is located at 6000 Brushy Creek Drive.

This is a developing story. No further information is available.

A Killeen ISD police unit blocks one of the entrances into Roy J. Middle School in Killeen, Texas.(Cris Cordova for KWTX)

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