A Collin County jury on Tuesday convicted Karmelo Anthony, now 19, of murder for the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old student at a rival high school, in a trial that lasted just one week from start to finish.
The case stemmed from an April 2025 confrontation during a Frisco Independent School District track meet. Both teenagers were 17 at the time. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, a sudden rain shower created confusion on the field — some athletes remained in place while others ran for cover under team tents. Centennial High School, where Anthony was a student, did not have a tent that day. When Anthony sought shelter under the tent belonging to Memorial High School, Metcalf’s school, an argument broke out that ended with Anthony stabbing Metcalf. Metcalf was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital.
Anthony’s defense team, led by attorney Mike Howard, argued that he acted in self-defense. They said Metcalf and his twin brother, Hunter — both about six-foot-one and 213 pounds — confronted Anthony, who is five-foot-eight and roughly 130 pounds. The defense characterized Anthony’s response as driven by “fear and chaos.”
Prosecutors offered a different account. Bill Wirskye, the prosecuting attorney, said the stabbing was a “sneak, surprise attack.” He quoted a trial witness who said Anthony had told Metcalf, “Touch me and find out.” Wirskye said video evidence shown during the trial did not support the idea that other people in the tent turned on Anthony, describing the incident as one-on-one.
Texas law permitted Anthony to be tried as an adult despite being a minor at the time of the stabbing.
The jury’s composition drew scrutiny after it was revealed that none of the 12 jurors was Black. Six alternates were also selected; their racial composition was not disclosed. The case had already gained traction on social media platforms due to the racial dynamics — Anthony is Black, and Metcalf was white.
Austin Metcalf’s twin brother, Hunter, was in the courtroom for the first time during the trial after being barred earlier because he was on the witness list. When Texas District Court Judge John Roach Jr. read the guilty verdict, Hunter Metcalf leaned forward. Anthony’s mother wept. Anthony himself broke down in tears. His parents left the courtroom, and he was remanded into the custody of the Collin County Sheriff’s Office.
The murder conviction carries a sentence of five years to life in prison. Sentencing proceedings began immediately after the verdict was returned.