A 14-year-old girl died Monday after being stabbed at her middle school in Killeen, Texas.
According to the Killeen Police Department, the stabbing took place at Roy J. Smith Middle School around 11:30 a.m. The police found in a preliminary investigation that two 14-year-old female classmates got into a dispute, ultimately leading to one stabbing the other.
Police said the girl who was stabbed was then taken to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center but died of her wounds. She was pronounced dead at 12:21 p.m.
The other girl was taken into custody, according to the police.
“We recognize the emotional impact of this incident on the victim’s family, students, staff, and the entire Killeen community,” Killeen police said in a statement on Monday. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we extend our support to those in need.”
The police declined to release the names of the girls because of their ages, but the family of the victim named her as Serenity Baker in a GoFundMe seeking financial support ahead of her memorial. They described her as “a bright, loving, and compassionate young soul with a promising future ahead of her.”
“Our hearts are shattered as we mourn the tragic and senseless loss of Serenity Baker, who was taken from us far too soon,” Serenity’s family wrote, adding that her killing was a “devastating act of violence that no family should ever have to endure.”
“She brought joy to everyone around her, and her kindness touched so many lives,” they continued. “The pain of her passing is unbearable, and our family is now faced with the overwhelming emotional and financial burden of laying her to rest.”
After the stabbing, the school was placed on lockdown. Shortly after, students were transported to a nearby church where parents and guardians picked them up, according to a statement from the Killeen Independent School District.
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The school is suspending classes until March 24, the end of spring break, the district said. The school will have counseling and support services for the students and staff.
“Our hearts are heavy as we navigate this difficult time together. We know this tragedy has deeply affected our school community, and we want to ensure that our students, staff, and families have the space and support needed to grieve and begin to recover,” said Superintendent Jo Ann Fey, Ed.D.