A 14-year-old student died after she was stabbed by a classmate in a knife attack at a Texas middle school on March 10, 2025. An altercation reportedly erupted between two females at Roy J. Smith Middle School in the Killeen Independent School District. The fight culminated in a stabbing that led to emergency crews taking the victim to an area hospital. Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries a short time later. Police apprehended the suspect, but many want to know how this happened in the first place.
Principal Fred Lily sent a message to families regarding the incident and subsequent lockdown, according to KWTX.
“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,” he continued. “Our school has been placed in a LOCKDOWN status. Students will not be released during a LOCKDOWN.”
Lily added that there was no further threat to students and that police were investigating the situation.
“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,” he shared.
The district published a reunification plan on social media to lead parents and families safely to their children.
Killeen Independent School District Superintendent Jo Ann Fey shared a message on Facebook.
“Dear Roy J. Smith Middle School Families & 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,” she wrote.
The superintendent canceled classes until after the upcoming spring break; school will resume on March 24.
Fey added, “Counselors and support services will be available for students and staff when we return from spring break. If your child needs immediate support, counselors will be available from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for the rest of the week at the Jackson Professional Learning Center at 902 Rev. R A Abercrombie Dr. In Killeen. Please take care of yourselves and each other. We will get through this together.”
Many shared their frustration with the school district on its Facebook page.
One person wrote, “KISD, this community deserves to have stricter guidelines to against bullies; stricter guidelines to clothing worn during the school day, after school programs, sports programs; stricter security and safety guidelines; implement a district wide ban what can be carried in and on school grounds.”
Another person agreed and commented, “First, my condolences to the family. Such a tragedy. Killeen Independent School District enough with the phone pouches nonsense and implement metal detectors permanently.”
This person shared kind words, writing, “I commend her for her strength on delivering this. I know how hard it was to not cry. I get emotional every time I think about this. My heart goes out to both families.”
