A devastating incident at a Texas high school track meet has drawn national attention, as a teenage student now faces a first-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
The case — headed for trial — has deeply affected the Frisco ISD community and raised difficult questions about youth prosecution, self-defense, and the pursuit of justice under emotional strain.
Teen’s Murder Trial in Texas Captivates Public as Austin Metcalf’s Family Speaks Out
The father of a high school student fatally stabbed at a school sports event is speaking publicly as the case moves through the Texas legal system — amplifying the emotional impact of a tragedy that has shocked families and community members alike.
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Austin Metcalf, 17, died following a violent confrontation at a Frisco ISD track meet on April 2. The accused, Karmelo Anthony — who has since turned 18 — is charged with first-degree murder.
After a comprehensive investigation, a Collin County grand jury indicted Karmelo on June 24, 2025, as reported by CBS News. Under Texas law, 17-year-olds can be prosecuted as adults. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of five to 99 years.
However, due to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roper v. Simmons (2005), he is not eligible for capital punishment or life without parole. District Attorney Greg Willis reinforced this point: “Even if the court wanted to impose those sentences, they are constitutionally prohibited for individuals who were 17 at the time.”
Frisco ISD Superintendent Mike Waldrip issued a message to district families, calling for compassion and collective support as students and staff process the traumatic event.
DA Willis emphasized the importance of a careful and principled legal process, especially in the wake of a tragedy involving students. “Events like this shake entire communities,” he said.
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Karmelo’s legal representative, Mike Howard, released a video message noting that his client has confidence in the judicial system. “Karmelo and his family trust that justice will prevail here in Collin County,” Howard stated, stressing that the facts of the case will only come to light in court. The defense maintains that Karmelo acted in self-defense.
Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father, expressed his pain and determination after the indictment was handed down. “We’re moving ahead, but it doesn’t change what happened,” he said. “My son is gone, and nothing will bring him back.”
More details continue to emerge from official documents and witness testimonies, shedding light on what led to the fatal encounter.
According to an arrest affidavit reported by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, Karmelo admitted his involvement at the scene. He allegedly told responding officers, “I’m not alleged — I did it,” and claimed he acted in self-defense after Austin made physical contact. Karmelo reportedly asked whether the act could be justified as self-defense and inquired about Austin’s condition.
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The incident took place at approximately 10 a.m. on April 2. Witnesses say Karmelo had taken temporary shelter under another school’s tent during a rainstorm. When told to leave, tensions rose. One student recalled Karmelo warning, “Touch me and see what happens,” before retrieving a knife from his backpack and stabbing Austin in the chest.
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A school resource officer was first on the scene. Austin, a Memorial High School student, died from a single stab wound that punctured his heart. His twin brother, Hunter, was with him in his final moments.
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“They were identical twins,” Jeff said. “Hunter tried to stop the bleeding, but Austin passed away in his arms.”
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Jeff arrived shortly afterward to find his son unresponsive and covered in blood. He and Hunter rushed to the hospital, but despite medical efforts, Austin could not be saved. “It’s impossible to make sense of this,” Jeff said. “But I believe there’s a reason in God’s plan. That said — what happened was still murder.”
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Austin’s mother, Meghan, recounted receiving a phone call from Hunter and racing to the emergency room. “He was smart, determined, and being scouted for college football,” she said through tears. “He had dreams to play at the next level.”
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Hunter, crushed by the loss, described his brother as his role model — despite being only four minutes older. “He was more than a brother; he was the leader in our family,” Hunter said.
Meghan added that their family is focused on keeping Austin’s memory alive. “He’ll never be forgotten,” she said. She and Hunter later thanked the community for its overwhelming support and emphasized the importance of celebrating Austin’s life.
To help with memorial and recovery expenses, the family launched a GoFundMe titled Honoring Austin Metcalf: Help His Family Heal, which has now surpassed $304,000. Jeff described Austin as a high-achieving student with a 4.0 GPA and a love for football. “He touched so many lives. I’ll love you forever, son,” he said.
In response to the proceedings, Karmelo’s legal team issued a statement acknowledging the pain endured by the Metcalf family and affirming Karmelo’s constitutional protections.
They urged the public to reserve judgment until trial and emphasized that the full picture has yet to be revealed. “There’s more to this than what’s been shared so far,” the statement read.
Karmelo’s family also launched a GiveSendGo fundraiser, titled Help Karmelo Official Fund, asserting that public narratives have misrepresented him. The campaign has raised over $537,000 to date.
One donor, Stephanie Crutchfield — a business owner — gave $1,000 and shared: “Let’s get this baby home. I have a young Black son too and live in Collin County. I believe there’s more we don’t know.”
As trial preparations continue, Karmelo Anthony faces a potential sentence ranging from five years to life in prison. Meanwhile, two grieving families — both seeking justice and closure — remain at the heart of a case that has left a deep scar on the community.
Conclusion:
As Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial progresses, the pain endured by both the Metcalf and Anthony families is immense. While Austin’s loved ones seek justice for a promising life cut short, the defense argues that Karmelo acted in self-defense, believing the truth will surface at trial.
What started as a tragic incident at a school event has evolved into a closely watched legal case — one that now carries the burden of revealing the truth, delivering justice, and guiding two families through heartbreak.