UPDATE (Tuesday, 10 a.m.)
A GoFundMe has been set up by the victim's family following the fatal stabbing — click here for the link to the GoFundMe.
"Serenity was a bright, loving, and compassionate young soul with a promising future ahead of her," the site reads.
"She brought joy to everyone around her, and her kindness touched so many lives."
The family says donations will go directly toward Serenity Baker's funeral and memorial expenses.
25 News will continue to cover this story.
ORIGINAL STORY
Killeen ISD and the Killeen community are heartbroken following an incident at Roy J. Smith Middle School, where a student lost their life following an altercation between two juveniles.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 11:25 a.m. per KISD Police Chief Erik Hydorn, has left students, staff, and families in shock and mourning.
Killeen ISD Communications Director Karen Rudolph expressed the district’s sorrow.
"Killeen ISD is deeply saddened to share the tragic news at Roy J. Smith today," Rudolph said.
"Our heart goes out to the family, friends, and school community as we grieve a heart-breaking loss today."
According to Hydorn, the altercation escalated into a stabbing.
Emergency Medical Services arrived on the scene within seven minutes and transported the victim to Carl R. Darnell Army Medical Center, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
Hydorn confirmed that the suspect is in Killeen Police Department custody, and the incident is being investigated as a homicide.
The incident has reignited concerns about safety at Roy J. Smith, which Roy J. Smith parent Gambrielle Montgomeery says have gone unchecked for a while despite raising awareness.
"There was a fight between a seventh grader and, I believe, an eighth grader, which led to a stabbing — but I’ve called the school multiple times about the fights, and no crossing guards," Montgomery said.
"I entrust them, every single day, to keep my child safe when he's not with me, and they failed us today — they failed the kids. It's unacceptable," Montgomery said.
The tragedy has left the school community grappling with grief and searching for answers.
As the investigation continues, Killeen ISD officials and parents call for increased safety measures to prevent such incidents.
