Teen Murder Conviction Fuels Race Debate
Karmelo Anthony Convicted of Murder, Sentenced 35 Years for Fatal Stabbing
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According to the probable-cause affidavit cited by PEOPLE/Yahoo, the altercation escalated after Metcalf confronted Anthony over the tent; the affidavit says Anthony told Metcalf, "Touch me and see what happens," then Metcalf allegedly moved to grab him before Anthony allegedly pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed Metcalf in the chest.
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The affidavit also reported that Anthony seemingly admitted to killing Metcalf when he allegedly told officers, "I did it," while also claiming he was "protecting myself."
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CBS News coverage (via TheShallowRoom) said the jury deliberated for about three hours after several days of testimony that included not only eyewitnesses and medical experts but also “character witnesses.”
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In a victim-impact statement reported by TheShaderoom, Metcalf’s father Jeff accused Anthony of personal betrayal and “moral decay,” saying, "We were robbed! Don’t look down!" and later telling the court the case was “never about race” but about “right and wrong.”
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On Court TV, a panelist said she was surprised by the verdict, stating, “I was not expecting Anthony to be found guilty of murder over Metcalf’s death,” adding that she expected “manslaughter” rather than the “top charge.”
A Collin County jury convicted Karmelo Anthony, 19, of first-degree murder on June 9, 2026, for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco, Texas, high school track meet on April 2, 2025. The jury deliberated just three hours before returning the guilty verdict, then sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison that same evening, according to CBS News.
Anthony will be eligible for parole after serving 17.5 years — roughly in late 2042. His attorneys filed a notice of appeal the following day. The case has sparked a national debate about race, self-defense law, and whether the sentence fit the crime.
A Tent Dispute That Turned Deadly in Minutes
The stabbing happened during a District 11-5A track meet at David Kuykendall Stadium. A sudden rainstorm pushed athletes under tents for cover. Metcalf, a 17-year-old linebacker from Frisco Memorial High School, confronted Anthony over use of a team tent. The argument escalated fast.
According to a probable-cause affidavit cited by PEOPLE, Anthony told Metcalf, "Touch me and see what happens." Metcalf then allegedly moved toward him. Anthony pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest. After officers arrived, Anthony reportedly said, "I did it... I was protecting myself." Metcalf was taken to a hospital, where he died.
Three Hours to Convict: How the Trial Unfolded
The trial lasted eight days, beginning with opening statements on June 4. Prosecutors called the stabbing a premeditated "sneak attack." They pointed out that Metcalf was unarmed and that Anthony, who stood 5'8" and weighed 130 lbs, brought a knife to a school event. Lead prosecutor Bill Wirskye told the jury, "Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent," according to FOX 4.
The defense argued Anthony had a legal right to defend himself under Texas law. They noted Metcalf was 6'1" and 213 lbs, and said he "had no legal right to put his hands on Karmelo," PBS NewsHour reported. Anthony did not testify. The all-white, 12-person jury rejected the self-defense claim after roughly three hours, according to The Guardian.
Victim's Father: 'This Was Never About Race'
After sentencing, Austin Metcalf's father Jeff delivered a sharp victim-impact statement. He accused the defense of trying to destroy his son's reputation during trial. "We were robbed! Don't look down!" he told the court. He added, "This was never about race. It is about right and wrong," according to KENS 5.
Jeff Metcalf also revealed his family had endured six "swatting" calls — fake emergency calls meant to send armed police to their home — during the trial, FOX 4 reported. Outside the courthouse after the verdict, supporters of Anthony clashed with supporters of Metcalf. Some held signs reading "Austin: Say His Name," while others accused the Collin County DA of racism, according to The Guardian.
35-Year Sentence Draws Celebrity Backlash and Appeal Plans
The sentence landed in the middle of a range of 5 to 99 years — or life. Not everyone thought it fit the crime. Rapper Cardi B called the 35-year sentence "disgusting," saying the justice system was "trying to make an example" of Anthony, according to TMZ. A Court TV panelist said she "was not expecting Anthony to be found guilty of murder," adding she expected a manslaughter verdict instead.
Anthony's legal team filed a notice of appeal on June 10. Appellate attorney David Coale told CBS News the appeal will likely focus on whether the judge should have let the jury consider criminally negligent homicide as a lesser charge. Frisco ISD, meanwhile, has permanently added metal detectors and clear-bag rules to all district athletic events, WFAA reported.
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