Karmelo Anthony, now 19, was convicted in Collin County, Texas, of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf after a deadly confrontation at a 2025 track meet in Frisco. Jurors rejected Anthony’s claim that he acted in self-defense after hearing days of testimony about the fight, the moments leading up to the stabbing, and the immediate aftermath. The case drew intense attention because Anthony was 17 at the time of the incident but was tried as an adult under Texas law.
The verdict came after nearly three hours of deliberation on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Anthony showed little visible emotion when the jury announced its decision. The same jury later moved into the sentencing phase, where jurors were also asked to consider whether the killing happened under “sudden passion,” a legal finding that could have lowered the punishment range. The defense argued that Anthony was provoked and acted in fear, while prosecutors maintained that he escalated the encounter and used deadly force without justification.
During the trial, prosecutors said Anthony was sitting under a Memorial High School tent when Metcalf asked him to leave. Witnesses described a tense exchange, and prosecutors alleged that Anthony threatened Metcalf, reached into his bag, and later stabbed him once in the chest. The wound pierced Metcalf’s heart, and he died after being rushed to a hospital. The state argued that Anthony brought a knife to the meet and was the only person armed that day.
The defense told jurors a different story. Attorneys said Metcalf and his twin brother confronted Anthony in a public setting and that Anthony reacted in self-defense after being physically touched. They also pressed the court to include lesser charges and argued that the law did not allow Metcalf to forcibly remove Anthony from the tent. Judge John Roach allowed instructions on murder, manslaughter, and sudden passion, but rejected a request to include criminally negligent homicide.
Witnesses for the prosecution included coaches, an athletic trainer, and others who rushed to help Metcalf after the stabbing. Several described the chaos on the field and the life-saving efforts made before paramedics arrived. A coach also testified that Anthony admitted, “He put his hands on me. I stabbed him,” though the defense questioned how that statement should be interpreted.
The trial began June 1, 2026, under tight security, with cameras banned and a gag order in place. Jury selection was difficult, in part because of Anthony’s age and the potential penalty of five years to life in prison. The case has sparked broad public debate over self-defense, youth crime, race, and the criminal justice system.
On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, after conviction, Judge Roach sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison with eligibility for parole after 17.5 years.
