Karmelo Anthony, now 19, was convicted of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Dallas, Texas, on April 2, 2025.
Anthony, a student from Frisco Centennial High School who was 17 at the time, was reportedly under Frisco Memorial High School’s tent, where Metcalf attended, due to the rain. Anthony, Metcalf and his twin had an altercation, during which a witness stated Anthony had said: “Touch me and see what happens.”
Another student recalled Metcalf telling Anthony, “You don’t have anything in that backpack. It’s Frisco.”
What followed was Metcalf grabbing Anthony, who allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Metcalf.
Anthony, who was 17 at the time of the murder, was tried as an adult due to Texas law.
During the trial, Anthony’s lawyers argued for self-defense, citing how Metcalf and his twin brother were 6-foot-1-inch at 213lb, and Anthony was 5-foot-8-inch at 130lb. However, prosecutors described the stabbing as a “sneak, surprise attack.”
Anthony’s defense team did not allow Anthony to testify for himself. Defense lawyer Jeremy Rosenthal said, “To get a self-defense charge, you have what is called a ‘burden of production.’ You have to show through your own evidence that you do not contest the conduct.” By not allowing Anthony to take a stand, they risked his chance at acquittal.
Moments before the verdict, both families gave some final words. Jeff Metcalf, the father, said that the murder hinged on “how you were raised with values and character. My kids have a wide array of friends. They weren’t bullies. They weren’t racists.”
Hunter Metcalf, Austin Metcalf’s twin brother, told Anthony, “Now I want everything taken from you … You let the devil take over in that moment.”
Kala Hayes, Karmelo Anthony’s mother, asked the jury: “Please have mercy on my son.”
Afterwards, the 12-member jury, none of whom were Black, gave their verdict: a sentence of 35 years in prison and an indictment for first-degree murder. This is despite having the option of a lesser charge, manslaughter.
