Key facts
- Karmelo Anthony, 19, was found guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf.
- Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
- The incident occurred during a confrontation at a high school track meet in April 2025.
- Anthony's defense claimed self-defense, while prosecutors argued it was a surprise attack.
- Anthony was tried as an adult due to Texas law.
A Collin County, Texas jury has found Karmelo Anthony, now 19, guilty of murder for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf last year. The trial, which lasted only one week from jury selection to verdict, drew national attention partly due to the racial composition of the case, with Anthony being Black and Metcalf being white. No Black jurors were selected for the trial.
Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Tuesday. The incident occurred in April 2025 when Anthony, then 17 and a student at Centennial High School, sought shelter under Memorial High School's tent during a track meet. A confrontation ensued with Austin Metcalf, also 17, resulting in Anthony stabbing Metcalf, who later died at a local hospital.
The defense argued that Anthony acted in self-defense against Metcalf and his twin brother, who they claimed confronted Anthony, who is significantly smaller. The defense stated Anthony reacted out of "fear and chaos." However, prosecutors, led by Bill Wirskye, argued it was a "sneak, surprise attack," citing a witness who reported Anthony telling Metcalf, "Touch me and find out." Video evidence presented in court reportedly supported the prosecution's claim that the incident was one-on-one.
Texas law permitted Anthony to be tried as an adult despite being a minor at the time of the offense. Austin's twin brother, Hunter Metcalf, was present in the courtroom for the verdict. Anthony's mother wept upon hearing the guilty verdict, while Anthony himself broke down in tears. He has been remanded into custody.