MCKINNEY, Texas — A Collin County jury has found 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.

The verdict follows a closely watched trial stemming from an April 2025 confrontation between the two students at a regional track and field competition. Anthony, who attended a different high school than Metcalf, claimed he acted in self-defense. Jurors ultimately rejected that argument after hearing testimony from multiple student witnesses.

According to testimony presented during the trial, the incident began when Anthony was sitting beneath a tent designated for Memorial High School’s track team. Witnesses said several athletes asked him to leave before Metcalf approached and told him the area was reserved for his team.

Students who testified described a verbal exchange that escalated quickly. Witnesses stated Anthony warned Metcalf not to touch him before Metcalf pushed Anthony. Prosecutors argued that Anthony responded by pulling a knife from his bag and stabbing Metcalf in the chest.

The prosecution characterized the incident as an unnecessary and deadly escalation of a disagreement that could have ended without violence. Defense attorneys maintained that Anthony acted out of fear during a chaotic encounter after being physically confronted.

Several student witnesses testified that Anthony appeared distraught immediately after the stabbing. One witness recalled hearing Anthony repeatedly say, “I told him not to touch me.”

The case attracted national attention and generated significant discussion on social media. Public debate often focused on the races of the two teenagers, with Anthony being Black and Metcalf being white. However, both prosecutors and defense attorneys told jurors that race was not a factor in the events that led to the stabbing.

Judge John Roach Jr. ordered that the identities of teenage witnesses remain protected throughout the proceedings.

Anthony now faces sentencing and could receive a punishment ranging from several years in prison to life imprisonment under Texas law.

Metcalf’s death sent shockwaves through the Frisco community and beyond, with both families describing their sons as good students with plans to attend college.

Sources

• Associated Press trial coverage

• Testimony presented in Collin County District Court

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