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A jury in Collin County, Texas, convicted Karmelo Anthony, now 19, of murder for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old track athlete Austin Metcalf during a high school meet in Frisco. The verdict was delivered Tuesday (June 9) after a trial that drew national attention and highlighted the tensions in the growing Dallas suburb where both teenagers attended different schools.
The stabbing occurred on a rainy morning in April 2025 at David Kuykendall Stadium. According to witnesses and police reports, the confrontation began when Anthony sat under a tent reserved for Metcalf’s team. When Metcalf told Anthony to leave, Anthony allegedly warned, “Touch me and see what happens,” while reaching into his bag. Moments later, Metcalf reportedly grabbed Anthony, who then pulled out a knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest.
Most trial witnesses were students who described a heated exchange leading up to the stabbing. Robert Starr, a track coach at Memorial High School where Metcalf was a student, explained that team tents are treated like benches in other sports and said, “You just don’t go into someone else’s tent uninvited.” Starr recounted that he saw Metcalf “on the ground and his face is purple, and he has a big hole in his chest."
Anthony’s defense did not call him to testify but argued he acted in self-defense after being physically confronted. Defense attorney Mike Howard told jurors that Anthony reacted in “a split second of fear, chaos.” However, prosecutors described the act as a “senseless murder” and “sneak, surprise attack.” The jury ultimately rejected the self-defense claim.
The trial was held under tight security and strict rules, with high public interest and increased scrutiny on social media. The case prompted warnings from local authorities about misinformation and divisive online discussions. Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father, urged the public not to view the tragedy through a racial or political lens.
Anthony now faces up to life in prison, with sentencing expected soon.