FRISCO, TEXAS — Karmelo Anthony, 19, is on trial for first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. The incident occurred on April 2, 2025, during a high school track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Prosecutors allege the confrontation began when Anthony sat under a tent belonging to Metcalf's track team. According to prosecutors, Metcalf then instructed Anthony to move, at which point Anthony allegedly reached into his bag. Metcalf reportedly grabbed Anthony, who then retrieved a knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest before fleeing the bleachers. Karmelo Anthony told law enforcement he acted in self-defense during the physical altercation.
Prosecutor Bill Wirskye addressed jurors, stating, “He didn’t want a fight.” Defense attorney Mike Howard asserted during opening remarks that Austin Metcalf initiated physical contact. Howard told jurors, “In that split second, Melo has a decision to make: how and when to act. Self-defense is useless if you wait too late to defend yourself.”
A jury was seated under increased security at a Collin County courthouse in June 2026. A presiding judge issued orders prohibiting attorneys from publicly discussing the case. Jurors reviewed surveillance footage depicting a stadium tent and Anthony fleeing the area. Karmelo Anthony is currently serving a house arrest sentence after his release from jail. If convicted of first-degree murder, Anthony faces a potential prison sentence of five to 99 years, as he was a minor at the time of the alleged offense.
Austin Metcalf was a white student at Frisco Memorial High School, and Karmelo Anthony was a Black student at Frisco Centennial High School. Frisco Police Chief David Shilson warned the public to avoid online posts that spread misinformation, hate, fear, and division. Social media platforms have amplified public discussion of the case along racial demographics. Austin Metcalf's twin brother accepted high school diplomas for both brothers on May 21. Parents of both teenagers described their sons as good students who planned to attend college. Anthony's family raised approximately $600,000 through the donation platform GiveSendGo.