Who is Karmelo Anthony? Texas teen sentenced to 35 years for murder of Austin Metcalf in Frisco track meet stabbing

A Texas teenager, Karmelo Anthony, has been convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco in April 2025. The case, which unfolded at Kuykendall Stadium during a Frisco ISD event, drew widespread attention and sparked debate over violence in schools and claims of self-defense. According to prosecutors in Collin County, the confrontation began near a team tent area during the meet. They argued that Anthony intentionally stabbed Metcalf once in the chest during an altercation between the two teens. Metcalf was rushed to a nearby hospital following the incident but later succumbed to the injuries he sustained.

The prosecution described the act as 'senseless' and 'plain and simple murder', insisting there was no justification for the killing. According to prosecutors, Metcalf and Anthony attended separate schools and had never met before the incident. Following the stabbing, Anthony was taken into custody by authorities and later formally charged with murder. Anthony’s defense team, however, maintained that he acted in self-defense. They claimed the situation escalated rapidly and that Anthony believed he was in danger at the time of the incident. The defense also raised the possibility of 'sudden passion', suggesting a lesser degree of culpability.



wDuring the trial, Judge John Roach allowed jurors to consider not only first-degree murder but also a lesser charge of manslaughter, which can carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The death penalty was not an option since Karmelo was a minor at the time of the offense.

After hearing testimony from students, investigators, medical experts, and character witnesses over several days, the Collin County jury deliberated for a few hours before finding Anthony guilty of murder. They later rejected the sudden passion argument during the sentencing phase and ultimately imposed a 35-year prison term, requiring him to serve at least half before becoming eligible for parole.

Courtroom observers reported that Anthony, now 19, appeared emotional and was seen with his head down as the verdict and sentence were read. His mother testified during the punishment phase, appealing for leniency and expressing remorse on his behalf.