A Texas jury has found Karmelo Anthony, now 19, guilty of murder for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf during a school track meet in April 2025. The trial in Collin County lasted one week and drew national attention due to the racial dynamics: Anthony is Black, while Metcalf was white. None of the 12 jurors were Black.
The incident occurred when a rain shower caused confusion at a track meet between Centennial High School and Memorial High School. Anthony, who was 17 at the time, sought shelter under Memorial's tent, where a confrontation led to him stabbing Austin Metcalf. Austin was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local hospital.
Anthony's defence argued self-defence, claiming he was confronted by Austin and his twin brother, who were both significantly larger than Anthony. The defence said Anthony acted out of 'fear and chaos'. However, prosecutors argued it was a 'sneak, surprise attack', citing a witness who said Anthony told Austin: 'Touch me and find out.'
Prosecuting attorney Bill Wirskye stated that video evidence showed the incident was one-on-one and that others in the tent did not turn on Anthony. Under Texas law, Anthony was tried as an adult despite being a minor at the time of the stabbing.
On Tuesday, Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison. During the verdict reading, Austin's twin brother Hunter, who had been excluded from the courtroom as a potential witness, leaned forward. Anthony's mother wept, and Anthony broke down in tears. He has been remanded into the custody of the Collin County Sheriff's Office.
