Karmelo Anthony’s defense argued he pulled a knife on Austin Metcalf in self-defense, with supporters claiming the case was about racism
A Texas jury has convicted 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony of first-degree murder and sentenced him to 35 years in prison for fatally stabbing fellow student Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet last April.
Anthony’s supporters argued that the case carried racial overtones and maintained the black teenager acted in self-defense during the confrontation with the 17-year-old Metcalf, who was white.
The unanimous verdict was returned on Tuesday at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney. Anthony will be eligible for parole after serving at least half of his sentence.
The stabbing occurred on April 2, 2025, at a stadium in the Frisco Independent School District that was hosting a multi-school track and field meet. Witnesses told jurors that after it began to rain, Anthony sought shelter under a team tent belonging to another school, which Metcalf represented.
According to testimony, Metcalf approached Anthony and repeatedly told him to leave. Prosecutors said Anthony replied, “Touch me and see what happens,” while reaching into a bag.
Metcalf then pushed Anthony, after which Anthony allegedly pulled out a folding knife and stabbed the 17-year-old in the chest, inflicting a fatal wound.
During closing arguments, Collin County First Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirskye argued that the stabbing was unjustified and that Anthony had provoked the confrontation.
The defense, meanwhile, sought a reduced sentence under the state’s “sudden passion” provision. Attorney Mike Howard told jurors that Anthony had acted out of “fear and chaos,” arguing that Metcalf had “no legal right” to use force against him.
While the victim’s father, Jeff Metcalf, has repeatedly insisted the case was never about race or politics, some of Anthony’s supporters have continued to view it through that lens.
Emotions ran hot outside the Collin County Courthouse on Tuesday, where supporters of both sides engaged in heated verbal exchanges.
Karmelo Anthony’s grandmother, Toni Hayes shouted “Racist! Bias!” from the passenger side window of the black Acura as it slowly pulled away through the crowd outside the McKinney courthouse.pic.twitter.com/kNx70kbHTn
Toni Hayes, Anthony’s grandmother, was heard shouting “Racist! Bias!” as she departed the courthouse in a vehicle, according to a video widely shared on social media.
