Texas teen found guilty of murder in fatal track meet stabbing of Austin Metcalf
A Texas jury has found 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco in April 2025, concluding a closely watched trial that centered on whether the attack was murder or self-defense.
Anthony had been charged with first-degree murder following the death of Metcalf, a student at Frisco Memorial High School. The jury returned its verdict after approximately three hours of deliberations on Tuesday. Jurors will now determine Anthony’s sentence. A murder conviction carries the possibility of life in prison, while jurors had also been allowed to consider the lesser charge of manslaughter during deliberations.
The fatal incident occurred on April 2, 2025, during a track and field competition involving several schools in the Frisco Independent School District. According to testimony presented during the trial, an argument erupted when Anthony, then a student at Frisco Centennial High School, was sitting beneath the Memorial High School team tent during a rainy day at the meet.
Witnesses testified that tensions escalated after Metcalf repeatedly asked Anthony to leave the area. Several students described seeing Metcalf push Anthony, though accounts varied regarding the force used. Some witnesses characterized it as a strong two-handed shove, while others described it as a smaller push.
Prosecutors argued that the stabbing was an unjustified act of violence and not a legitimate act of self-defense. During closing arguments, prosecutors contended that Anthony had opportunities to leave the situation and that using a knife in response to a shove was a disproportionate reaction. They maintained that Anthony had helped provoke the confrontation and then escalated it into a deadly encounter.
Defense attorneys argued that Anthony feared for his safety after being confronted and pushed. They maintained that he acted in self-defense during a chaotic and rapidly unfolding situation. The defense also argued that Metcalf had no legal right to use force against Anthony and suggested that the teenager reacted out of fear rather than intent to commit murder.
Throughout the four-day trial, jurors heard testimony from students, coaches, medical experts, and first responders. Anthony chose not to testify in his own defense.
Witnesses recounted that the confrontation lasted several minutes before turning violent. Some testified that Anthony warned others not to touch him during the argument. Following the stabbing, witnesses said Anthony left the tent area and later told a coach that he had stabbed Metcalf after being touched.
Medical testimony revealed that Metcalf suffered a stab wound to the left side of his chest. The injury pierced his heart, causing fatal damage. Emergency responders and school personnel attempted lifesaving measures at the scene, including applying pressure to the wound and performing CPR until paramedics arrived.
Several witnesses described the emotional aftermath as students, coaches and staff desperately tried to save the teenager. Metcalf was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
During the punishment phase of the trial, Anthony’s mother was the only witness to testify on his behalf. She asked jurors to show mercy and said her son was remorseful for his actions. Anthony waived his right to testify during the sentencing proceedings.
The case drew widespread public attention, leading the presiding judge to impose a gag order and restrict electronic devices inside the courtroom throughout the proceedings.
Following the verdict, Frisco Independent School District issued a statement saying it respects the judicial process and will continue supporting students and the community as they cope with the grief and emotions surrounding the case. The district urged residents to treat one another with respect, sensitivity and understanding in the wake of the trial’s conclusion.
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