The family of Karmelo Anthony has spoken publicly after the Texas teenager was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of fellow student-athlete Austin Metcalf during a confrontation at a Frisco high school track meet in April 2025. Anthony’s parents said the case has devastated both families and argued that “nobody wins” in the aftermath of the deadly incident. They continued to insist that their son acted in self-defense and did not intend to seriously harm anyone.
A Collin County jury, which was all white, rejected Anthony’s self-defense claim after less than three hours of deliberation and found him guilty of murder. The verdict was followed by the lengthy prison sentence, bringing a dramatic end to a case that had drawn intense attention and strong public reaction. Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, said her son was trying to protect himself during the altercation, while his father, Andrew Anthony, said the family believes key issues were not handled fairly during the trial.
Andrew Anthony said the family does not believe justice was served and plans to challenge the conviction through the appeals process. He said he feels the trial overlooked important details and that the family was denied a fair outcome. Despite their criticism of the verdict, Anthony’s parents also expressed sympathy for the Metcalf family and acknowledged the deep pain caused by Austin Metcalf’s death.
The Anthony family also said they have faced hostility from the public throughout the case. In interviews with CBS Texas, the parents claimed they have continued receiving death threats even after the conviction and sentencing. Andrew Anthony said the attacks on his family have continued online and in public discussions, and he believes public opinion turned against his son well before the trial began.
The emotional impact of the case remains severe on both sides. The Metcalf family continues to grieve the loss of Austin, who was killed at a time when he should have been focused on school sports and his future. Jeff Metcalf said the punishment is significant, but that no outcome can bring back his son or heal the loss their family has suffered.
For the Anthony family, the conviction means their son is now entering what they describe as a difficult and life-changing prison sentence. They say they still believe the legal system got the case wrong and intend to keep fighting the result. The case has become a painful reminder of how one violent encounter can destroy two families, leaving one mourning a fatal loss and the other confronting a long prison term and an uncertain legal battle ahead.
