Father Sues School District After Daughter’s Fatal Stabbing

Killeen, Texas – The father of a 14-year-old girl fatally stabbed at Roy J. Smith Middle School is suing the Killeen Independent School District (KISD) and Evolv Technologies. Thadius Baker, on behalf of his daughter Serenity Baker’s estate, filed the suit in the 146th Judicial District Court of Bell County on Sept. 16.

The lawsuit argues that KISD was negligent in its campus security and that Evolv’s weapons detection system was defective and misrepresented. The suit specifically states that the Evolv system, used in all KISD schools, was not operational at the time of the stabbing.

On the day of the incident in March, Serenity was stabbed with a 3.5-inch blade during school hours. According to court documents, she collapsed in a hallway and received no immediate aid from school staff. A fellow student tried to help before Serenity bled out and died.

The suit also highlights that KISD was aware of previous bullying incidents involving the student who attacked Serenity but failed to act. Despite having a system to report bullying, the lawsuit claims KISD did not take the necessary steps to protect students.

Baker is seeking damages on behalf of his daughter for her pain and suffering before she died. “They had a responsibility to protect her,” said Baker’s attorney, Randall Meredith. KISD spokeswoman Karen Rudolph said she was not aware of the lawsuit and could not comment.