Texas Teen Convicted in Fatal Stabbing at High School Track Meet
A jury in Frisco, Texas, has found a high school athlete guilty of murder after a confrontation over a team tent during a rain delay ended in a fatal stabbing.
Texas Teen Convicted in Fatal Stabbing at High School Track Meet
A jury in Frisco, Texas, has delivered a guilty verdict against a high school athlete for the killing of a fellow student during a track competition. The defendant, Karmelo Anthony, was found responsible for the death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a standout football player, following a dispute at a meet in April.
The incident unfolded during a rain delay when the two teens argued over space under a team tent. Prosecutors presented evidence that Anthony pulled a knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest. The younger athlete died at the scene despite efforts to save him.
The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before returning the conviction. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison. He had rejected a plea offer of 25 years before trial.
During the proceedings, defense attorneys argued that Anthony acted in self-defense and invoked Texas's "stand your ground" statute. They contended that Metcalf had initiated physical contact and that Anthony feared for his safety. The jury did not accept this argument.
A key piece of evidence was the presence of the weapon itself. Prosecutors emphasized that Anthony had brought a knife to a school-sanctioned athletic event, suggesting premeditation rather than spontaneous reaction. DNA and forensic testimony supported the state's version of events.
The case drew significant public attention, partly due to the victim's twin brother being present and holding Austin in his final moments. The Metcalf family has since faced online harassment and false emergency calls targeting their home, a practice known as "swatting."
The defendant's name has been widely reported as Karmelo Anthony, though some early coverage used a slightly different spelling. Source: Crime Online
Source: Crime Online