Karmelo Anthony, 19, found guilty of murder of Austin Metcalf in one-week trial

A Collin County, Texas jury convicted 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony of murder on Friday, concluding a one-week trial for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf last year. Anthony, who was 17 at the time of the incident, now faces a sentence ranging from five years to life in prison. The verdict came after a closely watched trial that drew national attention, partly due to the racial composition of the case: Anthony is Black, and Metcalf was white. Notably, none of the 12 jurors and six alternates selected for the trial were Black.

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Touch me and find out.

The fatal encounter occurred in April 2025 during a Frisco Independent School District track meet. Anthony, then 17 and a student at Centennial High School, sought shelter under a tent belonging to Memorial High School during a rain shower. A confrontation ensued with athletes from Memorial High, including Metcalf, resulting in Anthony stabbing Metcalf. Metcalf was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital.

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sneak, surprise attack

Anthony's defense team argued that he acted in self-defense, citing the size difference between Anthony (5ft 8in, 130lb) and Metcalf and his twin brother (both around 6ft 1in, 213lb). They claimed Anthony reacted out of "fear and chaos." However, a prosecutor countered that the stabbing was a "sneak, surprise attack," presenting video evidence and a witness statement suggesting Anthony had threatened Metcalf. Texas law permitted Anthony to be tried as an adult despite being a minor at the time of the stabbing. Metcalf's twin brother was present in the courtroom for the verdict, while Anthony broke down in tears upon hearing the guilty judgment.

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fear and chaos