Questions that have been answered from Killeen ISD
KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44) — Killeen Independent School District (ISD) officials held a press conference on Wednesday to provide further details about the fatal stabbing that occurred at Roy J. Smith Middle School last month. The incident, which occurred on March 10th, has been the subject of several press conferences, with the district continuing to provide updates on the ongoing investigation.
Since the event, Killeen ISD has fielded numerous questions from the media. Last month, the district requested that all questions be submitted via email, and twelve questions were posed. Of those, eleven have since then been answered by Killeen ISD officials, shedding light on some of the key aspects of the tragic incident, with more updates given at Wednesday's press conference.
PREVIOUS STORY: Killeen ISD Issues Updates Following Roy J. Smith Middle School Stabbing
1. What was the relationship between the two students involved? The district confirmed that they are unable to address this question due to this being an open investigation.
2. What is the behavioral history of the two students? According to Superintendent Dr. Fey, neither student involved in the incident has a history of violent behavior.
3. Was the stabbing a result of an ongoing bullying situation? Dr. Fey stated that no bullying reports had been submitted to the district's official bullying reporting system. However, the district is still investigating whether any verbal or written complaints had been made to the campus administration by students or parents prior to the incident.
4. Are the suspect's parents subject to legal action, since the student is a minor? Killeen ISD Police Chief Hydorn explained that county prosecutors will determine whether the suspect will be tried as an adult. At this stage, (as of mid-March) it remains too early to say whether the juvenile's parents will face legal action.
5. What was the weapon used in the stabbing? The weapon involved in the altercation was a 3 1/2-inch tactical folding knife.
6. Were metal detectors working at the school during the incident? On the day of the incident, the Evolve Detection System was not operational. However, Superintendent Dr. John Fey assured that the system has been fully operational and used every day since students returned to campus on March 25th.
7. Will there be increased staff or officers to monitor student safety? A team has been put in place by the district to monitor hallways and common areas, ensuring increased safety for students.
8. Will the district change its cellphone policy to improve communication between parents and students? Dr. Fey confirmed that there will be no changes to the district's existing cellphone policy.
9. Will counseling services be enhanced to support student mental health? The district has emphasized that students and staff have access to counseling services as needed and have been using them upon return to campus. Dr. Fey says they will continue to offer support for their mental health.
10. Were there any previous investigations involving the suspect and the victim? Dr. Fey confirmed that there were no prior investigations involving the two students and that neither had been suspended for violent behavior before the incident.
11. Where did the incident occur within the school? The Killeen ISD Police Chief confirmed that the stabbing occurred during a passing period in a common area of the school.
12. Is there video surveillance of the incident? Video footage of the students involved in the altercation has been confirmed by the Killeen ISD Police Chief.
The district is continuing to work with law enforcement as the investigation progresses. Parents, students, and staff have expressed concerns over safety measures, and Killeen ISD has stated that it is committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of all students on campus.
This is a developing story, we'll provide updates as we receive them.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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