Texas Track Meet Turns Deadly: 17-Year-Old Karmelo Anthony Charged in Fatal Stabbing of Austin Metcalf
By James Seidel | CC News Network | Crime & Cask Investigations
FRISCO, TX — Austin Metcalf: A high school track meet turned into a crime scene on April 2 when 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony allegedly fatally stabbed fellow student Austin Metcalf in the bleachers at Kuykendall Stadium. The violent confrontation between the two teenagers—who reportedly had no prior relationship—has sparked outrage across Texas and reignited debate about youth violence, weapon access, and self-defense claims in juvenile courtrooms.
What We Know About the Incident
Witnesses say the fatal encounter began when Metcalf, a junior at Memorial High School, asked Anthony, a student at Centennial High School, to move from under Memorial’s team tent during a rain delay at a district track and field meet.
Anthony allegedly responded by unzipping his bag and warning, “Touch me and see what happens.” Moments later, when Metcalf reportedly reached to move Anthony, he pulled out a black knife and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest, according to the police affidavit.
Metcalf collapsed and died shortly after—in the arms of his twin brother Hunter, who later told FOX News, “I grabbed his head and looked in his eyes. I just saw his soul leave. And it took my soul too.”
The Arrest and Confession
Anthony fled the scene but was quickly arrested by police, who say he immediately confessed to the stabbing.
“I’m not alleged—I did it,” Anthony reportedly told officers, according to the arrest report. “I was protecting myself. He put his hands on me.”
⚖️ No Death Penalty, But Questions Remain
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Anthony will not face the death penalty—nor life without parole—if convicted. That’s because of the 2005 Roper v. Simmons U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which bars capital punishment for crimes committed by minors under 18.
“The Supreme Court has said you can’t even get them life without parole,” Willis told WFAA. “That would not be something we could do even if we wanted to.”
Anthony’s attorneys are now asking the court to lower his $1 million bond, citing self-defense as the basis for his actions. His defense attorney, Deric Walpole, told reporters: “I don’t have any reason to think it wasn’t self-defense at this time.”
Self-Defense or Overreaction?
The public reaction has been fierce and divided. Supporters of Anthony—including his father, Andrew Anthony—claim the teen was provoked, worked two jobs, and maintained strong academic performance. They say he’s being painted unfairly in the media. Anthony’s family has since hired a PR team and launched a GiveSendGo fundraiser, which has raised nearly $300,000 for his legal defense.
Meanwhile, Metcalf’s grieving family launched a GoFundMe that has surpassed $316,000. His father described Austin as a team MVP, straight-A student, and passionate football player with dreams of playing at the next level.
Rising Violence at Youth Sporting Events
This tragic stabbing adds to a growing pattern of aggression at school athletic events nationwide. From sideline assaults to gun violence in school parking lots, school sports—once a place of camaraderie and discipline—are now increasingly becoming flashpoints for violent conflict.
As more families, coaches, and law enforcement officers sound the alarm, the deeper question remains: Why are so many young people reaching for weapons in moments of tension?
What’s Next?
Anthony remains in custody at the Collin County Jail, awaiting a hearing that could determine whether he is released before trial.
The Collin County DA’s Office has not yet officially received the case from Frisco police, who are still completing their investigation. However, DA Willis has publicly expressed his desire to keep the case in Collin County, saying the community deserves to decide its outcome.
James Seidel is the founder of CC News Network and host of the Crime & Cask podcast. For exclusive interviews, court transcripts, and video updates, follow @CrimeAndCask on all platforms.
Tips or leads? Email: tips@crimeandcask.com
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