Crime
14-Year-Old Student Serenity Baker Fatally Stabbed at Roy J. Smith Middle School
Killeen, TX – A tragic incident unfolded at Roy J. Smith Middle School on Monday, resulting in the fatal stabbing of 14-year-old student Serenity Baker.
The school was placed on lockdown following the altercation, and authorities have since launched a homicide investigation into the case.
According to Killeen ISD Chief of Police Erik Hydorn, the incident occurred at approximately 11:25 a.m., when an altercation between two students escalated into a stabbing.
The victim, Serenity Baker, was immediately transported to Carl R. Darnell Army Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.
The suspect, identified as a female student, was quickly apprehended at the scene.
The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.
Following the incident, the school was placed on LOCKDOWN to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Killeen ISD Police, the Killeen Police Department, and other emergency personnel responded to the scene, securing the campus and conducting a thorough investigation.
In an official statement, Killeen ISD spokesperson Karen Rudolph expressed the district’s deep sorrow:
“Killeen ISD is deeply saddened to share the tragic news that happened at Roy J. Smith Middle School. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and school community as we grieve this heartbreaking loss.”
Killeen ISD Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Fey also addressed the tragedy, emphasizing the impact on the school community:
“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.”
As a result of the incident, Dr. Fey has made the decision to cancel classes at Roy J. Smith Middle School until after spring break. Classes will resume on Monday, March 24.
Additionally, the Killeen ISD Board of Trustees has scheduled an emergency meeting on Tuesday, March 11, at 8 a.m., where they will discuss the incident and review school safety protocols.
Shortly after the attack, Principal Fred Lily informed parents of the lockdown in a message:
“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 lockdown remained in effect as law enforcement secured the campus and conducted an initial investigation.
Principal Lily assured families that there was no ongoing threat to students or staff, stating:
“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.”
To facilitate a safe and orderly reunification process, all students were transported by bus to Manna Church at 1826 Stagecoach Road, where parents or guardians were required to follow specific procedures for pickup:
- Photo ID Required: Only parents, guardians, or emergency contacts listed in school records could pick up students.
- Reunification Cards: Parents were asked to complete a Reunification Card for each student being picked up.
- Patience Requested: Students were released one at a time to ensure safety and accuracy.
- Compliance with Staff & Law Enforcement: Parents were instructed to follow guidance from school staff and law enforcement throughout the process.
“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 stated.
The Killeen Police Department has confirmed that a homicide investigation is underway, and additional details regarding the suspect, motive, and potential charges will be released as the case develops.
The tragic loss of Serenity Baker has deeply affected the school and local community. Counseling and support services are being made available to students, staff, and families coping with the devastating event.
Roy J. Smith Middle School is located at 6000 Brushy Creek Drive in Killeen, Texas.
Authorities have identified the suspect in Thursday’s deadly shooting at Florida State University (FSU) as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of longtime Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner.
During an afternoon press conference, FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower confirmed that Phoenix Ikner was responsible for opening fire near the university’s Student Union Building, killing two individuals and injuring six others.
The incident unfolded around 11:50 a.m. on April 17, when the gunman began shooting on the university’s main campus in Tallahassee.
“FSU police responded immediately, engaged, neutralized, and apprehended the shooter,” Trumbower said. Ikner, believed to be an FSU student, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital following the incident.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell detailed the law enforcement response, stating that officers confronted Ikner and opened fire when he failed to comply with commands.
He was subsequently subdued and taken for medical treatment.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed that the suspect is the son of Deputy Jessica Ikner, a veteran of the department with over 18 years of service.
“She has performed her duties with distinction,” McNeil stated, expressing support for Deputy Ikner during what he described as a devastating moment for her and the department.
Investigators revealed that the weapon used in the shooting was a handgun previously issued to Deputy Ikner before she transitioned to a new service weapon.
It was reportedly her personal firearm. Authorities also found a shotgun in Ikner’s possession at the scene, though it remains unclear whether it was discharged during the attack.
“We are continuing to investigate the role each weapon may have played and whether the suspect had access to additional firearms,” McNeil said.
Chief Revell added that Phoenix Ikner had been a “long-standing member” of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council and had participated in several law enforcement-related programs over the years.
“It’s not surprising to us that he had some level of access to firearms given his history within the agency’s youth programs,” Revell stated.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Authorities noted that Ikner has so far refused to cooperate with investigators or provide any explanation for his actions.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting in the investigation and has requested that anyone who witnessed the shooting or has relevant information or media uploads related to the incident submit tips through their official website at www.fbi.gov/fsushooting.
FSU remains under heightened security as law enforcement continues to process the scene and gather evidence.