Editor’s note: This story was updated on June 10, 2026, to reflect Anthony’s sentencing.
In April 2025, a dispute at a Texas high school track meet turned deadly and became a divisive flashpoint. Now, teenager Karmelo Anthony has been convicted of the first-degree murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
Jurors found Anthony, 19, guilty of Metcalf’s killing in Collin County court on Tuesday, June 9. Later that day, the punishment phase of the trial also concluded, with Anthony receiving a 35-year prison sentence. He will be eligible for parole after serving at least half of that time.
Because Anthony—17 at the time of Metcalf’s killing—was tried as an adult, he faced a sentence of 5 to 99 years or even life in prison.
Anthony stabbed Metcalf, who was competing for a neighboring high school, during an argument over seating arrangements at the athletic meet, fatally wounding him. However, Anthony pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, and his defense team maintained he acted in self-defense.
Here’s everything you need to know about Anthony, his trial, and why the case became 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.
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 twin 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 was tried as an adult, meaning he faced 5 years to 99 years in prison, or a life sentence if convicted.
“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.
Anthony’s defense team similarly argued Anthony felt threatened by Metcalf and acted in self-defense. During the sentencing portion, his lawyers asked jurors to consider a legal concept known as “sudden passion,” meaning he acted directly out of provocation and was overwhelmed by strong emotion such as fear, shock, or anger before having time to calm down. This would have lessened his sentence significantly, but the jury ultimately rejected it.
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 death 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 were several precautions in place to ensure the trial and sentencing were fair and accurate.
What Happened During Karmelo Anthony’s Trial?
Anthony’s trial began Monday, June 1, at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, Texas. It was expected to last two weeks, but jurors only needed a short deliberation on Tuesday, June 9, to find Anthony guilty of first-degree murder. They sentenced him to 35 years in prison later that day.
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 were prohibited. Devices may be used for silent note-keeping with court approval.
- A maximum of nine media members were inside the courtroom at one time.
- There were no gestures, talking, food or drink, distracting attire, or animated reactions allowed in the courtroom.
- Trial exhibits were not released to the public or media until the trial’s conclusion.
On Saturday, June 6, the Collin County chief medical examiner provided details of Metcalf’s injuries. Elizabeth Ventura testified that Metcalf was stabbed through the heart, and the wound—two and a half inches in length—was not survivable.
Jurors also viewed four autopsy photos, with some reportedly covering their mouths and becoming emotional. The prosecution officially rested its case after calling 21 witnesses.
The defense rested on Monday, June 8, and jurors were sequestered the following day. They also were able to consider the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Metcalf’s parents and his twin Hunter were present in the courtroom for the reading of the verdict. According to CBS News Texas, Anthony reportedly broke down in tears after the announcement.
After Anthony’s sentencing, members of Metcalf’s family addressed the convicted killer inside the courtroom. “Now I want everything taken from you,” Hunter said. “You took everything from me.”
What’s Next for Karmelo Anthony?
According to Fox 26, Anthony will be held in sheriff’s custody until he is transferred to the Texas Department of Corrections. The teenager was already taken for a new booking photo after the trial.
It is not known yet where Anthony will be incarcerated.
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.
