A Texas jury has sentenced Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of another teenager during a high school track meet, closing a closely watched case that raised difficult questions about youth violence, self-defense, and accountability.
Anthony, now 19, was convicted of murder in the April 2025 killing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco Independent School District track and field meet. The sentencing followed hours of jury deliberations after four days of testimony at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, Texas.
Case
Prosecutors charged Anthony with first-degree murder, arguing that the stabbing was unjustified and occurred after Anthony provoked a confrontation. The defense contended that Anthony acted in self-defense during a chaotic encounter under the bleachers.
The jury began deliberating Tuesday afternoon and reached a guilty verdict in about three hours. Jurors then deliberated several more hours before deciding on a 35-year prison sentence. They could also have returned a verdict of manslaughter, which carries a lesser penalty under Texas law.
Incident
The stabbing occurred on April 2, 2025, at a Frisco ISD stadium during a multi-school track meet held in rainy conditions. Police said Metcalf, an 11th-grade student at Frisco Memorial High School, confronted Anthony, then a 17-year-old student at Frisco Centennial High School, for sitting under Memorial’s team tent.
Witnesses testified that an argument followed, lasting several minutes. Accounts varied, but multiple students said Metcalf pushed Anthony while Anthony was seated on the bleachers. Some described the contact as forceful, while others said it was a smaller shove.
During the altercation, witnesses recalled Anthony making remarks such as “Touch me and see what happens.” Surveillance video shown in court did not capture the stabbing itself.
Trial
Anthony did not testify during the trial. Prosecutors argued that Anthony escalated the confrontation and used disproportionate force by stabbing Metcalf in the chest with a pocket knife. Collin County First Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirskye told jurors that Anthony could have walked away and that the killing was not an act of self-defense.
Defense attorney Mike Howard countered that Anthony had gone under the tent to get out of the rain and was confronted and pushed by Metcalf. Howard argued that Anthony acted in fear and confusion and responded instinctively after being touched.
Medical testimony established that Metcalf suffered a single stab wound to the left side of his chest. The blade pierced his heart, causing fatal injuries. Despite efforts by coaches, an athletic trainer, and emergency responders, Metcalf died at a hospital later that day.
Sentencing
During the punishment phase, Anthony’s mother was the only witness called by the defense. She asked jurors to show mercy, expressing that her son was remorseful. Anthony waived his right to testify during sentencing, according to the court.
Under Texas law, a murder conviction carries a possible sentence ranging from five years to life in prison. Jurors were also allowed to consider whether Anthony acted under sudden passion, which could have reduced the sentencing range, but they ultimately imposed a 35-year term.
Anthony appeared emotional when returning to court for sentencing and was remanded into the custody of the sheriff’s office.
Impact
Members of Metcalf’s family delivered emotional victim impact statements following the verdict. His parents and twin brother spoke directly to Anthony, describing the lasting effects of the loss on their family.
Judge John Roach had placed a gag order on the case and barred electronic devices from the courtroom due to the attention surrounding the trial.
In a statement following the verdict, Frisco ISD said it respects the judicial process and will continue supporting students affected by the tragedy, urging the community to respond with care and sensitivity.
The case underscores the lasting consequences of split-second decisions and has left a lasting mark on the Frisco school community.
FAQs
Who was convicted in the case?
Karmelo Anthony was convicted of murder.
Who was the victim?
Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old student.
Where did the stabbing occur?
At a Frisco ISD track meet in April 2025.
What sentence was imposed?
Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Did the jury consider self-defense?
Yes, but jurors rejected that argument.
