A Collin County, Texas, jury has found Karmelo Anthony guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, a case that drew national attention due to its racial dynamics. Anthony, who is Black, was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Tuesday after a trial that lasted just one week from jury selection to verdict.
Trial Details and Racial Composition
The trial attracted widespread scrutiny after social media posts highlighted that Anthony is Black while the victim, Austin Metcalf, was white. During jury selection, 12 jurors and six alternates were chosen, none of whom were Black. The racial composition of the jury became a focal point for observers.
The Incident
Both teenagers were 17 years old when the incident occurred during a Frisco Independent School District track meet in April 2025. 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, leading to Anthony stabbing Austin. Austin was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
Anthony's legal team argued self-defense, claiming he was confronted by members of the Memorial High School team, including Austin and his twin brother, who are both approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall and weigh around 213 pounds. Anthony, by contrast, is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds. The defense described Anthony's actions as a reaction to "fear and chaos."
Prosecuting attorney Bill Wirskye countered that the stabbing was a "sneak, surprise attack." He cited a trial witness who quoted Anthony as telling Austin, "Touch me and find out." Wirskye also noted that video evidence supported the argument that others in the tent had not turned on Anthony, and that the incident was one-on-one.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Under Texas law, Anthony was tried as an adult despite being a minor at the time of the stabbing. During the reading of the verdict, Austin's twin brother, Hunter, who had been barred from the courtroom due to being on the witness list, leaned forward. Anthony's mother wept, and Anthony himself broke down in tears. His parents left the courtroom, and Anthony was remanded to the custody of the Collin County Sheriff's Office.
