In April 2025, a dispute at a Texas high school track meet turned deadly and became a divisive flashpoint. Now, teenager Karmelo Anthony stands accused of the first-degree murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
The anticipated trial of Anthony, 19, is scheduled to begin in Collin County court on Monday, June 1. Anthony—17 at the time of Metcalf’s killing—is being tried as an adult and could face a life prison sentence if convicted.
Anthony allegedly stabbed Metcalf, who was competing for a neighboring high school, during an argument over seating arrangements, fatally wounding him. However, Anthony pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, and his defense team maintains he acted in self-defense.
Here’s everything you need to know about Anthony, his trial, and why the case has become so divisive.
Who Is Karmelo Anthony?
Anthony was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and moved to the North Texas area in 2021, according to Fox 4. He is the oldest of four children.
Family representatives revealed Anthony attended Frisco Centennial High School and held a 3.7 GPA as a student. He was a captain of both the school’s football and track-and-field teams. Away from school, he worked at Foot Locker for two years as well as the H-E-B supermarket chain.
Anthony had no criminal record prior to the deadly incident with Metcalf. Now, he faces a potential life prison sentence.
What Happened Between Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf?
On April 2, 2025, Anthony and Metcalf, a junior from Memorial High School, were involved in a violent confrontation at a District 11 high school track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
According to witnesses, including Hunter Metcalf—Austin’s brother who was also at the meet—Metcalf allegedly confronted Anthony over his presence in a seating area and asked him to leave. It is purported Anthony stabbed Metcalf in the heart in the ensuing altercation. Metcalf died despite lifesaving attempts by police and fire personnel.
Anthony was immediately taken into custody and charged with felony first-degree murder, per a news release from Frisco Police and Fire. His bond was immediately posted at $1 million, but later adjusted to $250,000. Anthony was allowed to leave jail and placed under house arrest with an ankle monitor, only permitted to leave with a judge’s approval.
On June 24, 2025, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced a Grand Jury had indicted Anthony for first-degree murder. Anthony is being tried as an adult, meaning he faces 5 years to 99 years in prison, or a life sentence.
“We know this case has struck a deep nerve—here in Collin County and beyond. That’s understandable. When something like this happens at a school event, it shakes people to the core,” Willis said in a news release. “But the justice system works best when it moves with steadiness and with principle. That’s what we’re committed to.”
What Has Karmelo Anthony Said About Austin Metcalf’s Death?
An arrest affidavit shows Anthony told the arresting officer, “I was protecting myself,” before he was officially questioned, according to WFAA. He also reportedly asked whether Metcalf would survive the incident and if his actions could be considered self-defense.
It is speculated the defense team will similarly argue Anthony felt threatened by Metcalf and acted in self-defense.
Because of the ages and racial identities of the teenagers involved—Anthony is Black, while Metcalf was white—the case quickly became polarizing. The Anthony family received deaths threats in the weeks following the stabbing, according to Texas Metro News. Additionally, protesters organized a “Protect White Americans” rally in Frisco, which Jeff Metcalf—the victim’s father—condemned and suggested was creating a racial divide.
“We believe in the legal process and that is where the truth will come out,” Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, said of the case. “To the family who experienced the loss, my heart truly goes out to you. To those who have supported my family, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”
Because of widespread interest in the case, and with misinformation being shared across social media, there will be several precautions in place to ensure the trial is fair and accurate.
When does Karmelo Anthony’s trial begin?
Anthony’s trial is scheduled to begin Monday, June 1, at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, Texas. It is expected to last two weeks.
Presiding District Judge John Roach Jr. issued a gag order in July 2025, barring anyone associated with the prosecution and defense from speaking about the case publicly, according to Texas Metro News. This includes, attorneys, witnesses, law enforcement, and court staff.
More recently, in April 2026, Roach ordered additional measures, according to CBS News, including:
- Photography, video and audio recordings, and live streaming will be prohibited. Devices may be used for silent note-keeping with court approval.
- Only nine media members may be inside the courtroom at one time.
- There will be no gestures, talking, food or drink, distracting attire, or animated reactions allowed in the courtroom.
- Trial exhibits will not be released to the public or media until the trial’s conclusion.
Check back with Biography.com for additional updates from the trial.
Tyler Piccotti joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor and is now the News and Culture Editor. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor for a daily newspaper recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors. In his current role, he shares the true stories behind your favorite movies and TV shows and profiles rising musicians, actors, and athletes. When he's not working, you can find him at the nearest amusement park or movie theater and cheering on his favorite teams.
