A Texas jury has sentenced 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison after finding him guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco. The case drew national attention and sparked debate about racial dynamics within the criminal justice system.
The incident occurred in April 2025 when Anthony, then 17 and attending Centennial High School, and Metcalf, also 17 and from Memorial High School, met during a Frisco Independent School District track meet. A sudden rain shower created confusion on the field, with some athletes seeking shelter under team tents. When Anthony attempted to take cover under Memorial's tent, a confrontation erupted that resulted in Metcalf's death. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital.
The trial lasted one week from jury selection through verdict. The jury consisted of 12 jurors and six alternates, with no Black jurors selected despite Anthony being Black and Metcalf being white. This racial composition drew significant attention on social media and became a focal point of national scrutiny regarding the case.
Anthony's legal team argued he acted in self-defense, claiming he feared for his safety during the confrontation. They emphasized the physical disparity between the defendant, who is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds, and the Metcalf brothers, both around 6 feet 1 inch and 213 pounds. The defense argued that Anthony reacted to "fear and chaos" in the moment.
Prosecutors presented a different narrative. Prosecuting attorney Bill Wirskye characterized the stabbing as a "sneak, surprise attack" and cited witness testimony that Anthony had threatened Metcalf, saying "Touch me and find out." Wirskye argued that video evidence demonstrated the incident was a one-on-one confrontation and that other people in the tent had not turned on Anthony.
Because Anthony was a minor at the time of the stabbing, a Texas law permitted him to be tried as an adult. Following the guilty verdict on Tuesday, Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Austin's twin brother, Hunter Metcalf, attended the trial for the first time when Judge John Roach Jr. read the verdict. Hunter had been barred from the courtroom earlier because he was on the witness list. When the verdict was announced, Anthony broke down in tears while his parents left the courtroom. Anthony was remanded into the custody of the Collin County Sheriff's Office.
The case has drawn commentary from public figures and continues to generate discussion about criminal justice and racial equity in Texas.