Texas teen sentenced to 35 years for killing fellow student at athletics event

A Texas jury convicted 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony of murder on Tuesday for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school athletics event in April 2025. Anthony received a 35-year prison sentence. The racially charged trial, which drew national attention, centered on arguments of self-defense versus intentional killing. Prosecutors presented evidence, including eyewitness testimonies and the medical examiner's description of Metcalf's fatal wound, to argue Anthony was the aggressor. The defense countered by presenting witnesses, including a track coach, who spoke to Anthony's character and nomination for team captain. Anthony maintained a near-perfect 4.0 GPA. The two students did not know each other prior to the incident. The jury reached its verdict in under three hours. A civil rights group noted the absence of Black jurors. The Frisco School District released a statement respecting the judicial process and offering support to students.

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Our community has carried the weight of this tragedy for more than a year, and our thoughts remain with the impacted families, friends and classmates. We respect the judicial process and will continue to support our students with compassion and care. We know this trial has brought strong emotions and deep grief, and we ask that our community continue to support each other with respect, sensitivity and understanding.