A Texas jury has found Karmelo Anthony, now 19, guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, a case that drew national attention due to its racial dynamics. The trial, held in Collin County, lasted just one week from jury selection to verdict.
Trial Details and Racial Composition
The case gained widespread notice on social media because Anthony is Black and Metcalf was white. During jury selection, 12 jurors and six alternates were chosen, none of whom were Black.
Incident at Track Meet
Both teenagers were 17 when the incident occurred in April 2025 during a Frisco Independent School District track meet. A rain shower caused confusion, with some athletes staying on the field and others seeking shelter under team tents. Centennial High School, where Anthony was a student, did not have a tent that day. When Anthony sought shelter under Memorial High School's tent, a confrontation ensued, and Anthony stabbed Metcalf. Metcalf was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital.
Self-Defense Argument
Anthony's legal team argued he acted in self-defense after being confronted by members of the Memorial team. Defense attorney Mike Howard stated that Metcalf and his twin brother, who are about 6 feet 1 inch and 213 pounds, confronted Anthony, who is 5 feet 8 inches and approximately 130 pounds. The defense claimed Anthony reacted out of "fear and chaos."
Prosecution's Case
Prosecuting attorney Bill Wirskye countered that the stabbing was a "sneak, surprise attack." He cited a trial witness who quoted Anthony as telling Metcalf, "Touch me and find out." Wirskye also noted that video evidence shown during the trial indicated that other people in the tent did not turn on Anthony, and the incident was one-on-one.
Legal Context and Sentencing
Texas law allowed Anthony to be tried as an adult despite being a minor at the time of the stabbing. After the verdict was read by Texas District Court Judge John Roach Jr., Metcalf's twin brother, Hunter, who had been barred from the courtroom because he was on the witness list, leaned forward. Anthony's mother wept, and Anthony broke down in tears. His parents left the courtroom, and Anthony 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 guilty verdict was read.
