FRISCO, Texas – A Collin County jury on Wednesday sentenced 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison for the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, who was fatally stabbed in the chest during a high school track meet last April. Anthony will be eligible for parole after serving half his sentence.
The incident occurred on April 2, 2025, at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco during a rain delay at a Frisco ISD track and field event. According to police and trial testimony, Anthony, a student at Centennial High School, was sitting under a tent belonging to Metcalf’s Memorial High School team. Metcalf asked him to leave, leading to a confrontation.
Witnesses said Anthony warned Metcalf, "Touch me and see what happens," before allegedly pulling a knife and stabbing the unarmed teen in the chest when Metcalf grabbed him. Metcalf, a student-athlete and football player, died at the hospital. Anthony surrendered to authorities shortly after and admitted to the stabbing but claimed self-defense.
Inside the courtroom, emotions ran high. Anthony broke down in tears as the verdict and sentence were read. His mother reportedly sobbed and begged the court for mercy on her son.
Metcalf’s aunt delivered a powerful victim impact statement, recounting the devastating phone call from her sister. "As I drove to the hospital, I never believed Austin could be gone. The impact of his death is permanent," she said, highlighting the irreversible loss to the family.
The jury rejected Anthony’s self-defense claim and a "sudden passion" argument after hearing from more than 20 witnesses over several days of trial. Prosecutors argued the stabbing was intentional and unjustified, while the defense portrayed Metcalf as the aggressor.
Case Drew National Attention Amid Racial Tensions
The case gained widespread attention due to the racial dynamics, as Anthony is Black, Metcalf was white, sparking protests and demonstrations outside the courthouse. Supporters of Anthony raised over $600,000 in donations for his family. Critics, however, pointed to what they called a clear act of violence over a minor dispute.
Austin Metcalf’s family, including his twin brother who accepted his posthumous diploma at graduation, has expressed grief while seeking justice. Many observers, including those following the trial closely, argued the sentence, while significant, falls short of true accountability, noting Anthony could potentially be released in his mid-30s while Metcalf’s life was cut short forever.
