Frens, one of the most closely watched criminal trials in Texas has reached a verdict. A Collin County jury found Karmelo Anthony guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a Frisco ISD track meet on April 2, 2025.
The verdict comes after days of testimony from students, investigators, medical experts, and character witnesses in a case that sparked national debate surrounding self-defense claims, race, and school safety.
What Happened Between Karmelo Anthony And Austin Metcalf?
Prosecutors argued that Karmelo Anthony intentionally stabbed Austin Metcalf during an altercation near a team tent area at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco.
According to testimony, the two teenagers attended different schools and did not know each other before the encounter.
Austin Metcalf was stabbed once in the chest and rushed to a hospital, where he later passed away from his injuries.
During the trial, Collin County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Elizabeth Ventura testified that the wound pierced Austin’s heart and was not survivable.
Defense Claimed Self-Defense
Anthony’s legal team maintained throughout the trial that he acted in self-defense.
Defense attorneys called several witnesses, including students and coaches, who testified about what they observed during the chaotic moments leading up to the stabbing.
One witness said he believed he saw someone being pushed or punched before the incident.
However, prosecutors challenged portions of that testimony, noting inconsistencies with video evidence presented during the trial.
The defense also highlighted testimony that athletes frequently interacted in other schools’ team tents during track meets.
Jury Convicts Karmelo Anthony Of Murder
After hearing testimony from dozens of witnesses and reviewing evidence over several days, jurors rejected the self-defense argument and found Anthony guilty of murder.
Judge John Roach had instructed jurors that they could also consider a lesser charge of manslaughter.
Ultimately, the jury returned a murder conviction.
What Happens Next?
Anthony, now 19, faces a punishment range of five to 99 years or life in prison under Texas law.
Had jurors convicted him of manslaughter, he would have faced a possible sentence of two to 20 years.
The case attracted significant public attention throughout North Texas and across the country, leading to increased security around the courthouse due to threats and controversy surrounding the proceedings.
Sentencing will determine how much prison time Anthony will serve following the murder conviction.
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