Murder Trial Begins for Texas Teen Accused in Fatal Stabbing at Track Meet

The murder trial of a Texas teenager accused of stabbing a fellow high school student commenced on Thursday. The prosecution and defense presented opposing views on what led to the death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.

Karmelo Anthony, 19, faced charges for stabbing Metcalf during a disagreement at a track meet at a Frisco high school near Dallas. Anthony’s attorney, Mike Howard, argued his client acted in self-defense amid ‘fear and chaos.’

‘After Karmelo defended himself with that knife, he ran. He didn’t stab again. He dropped the knife. He didn’t stab anyone else,’ Howard stated.

The case has attracted national attention and fueled an online debate on racial lines. Anthony is Black, while Metcalf was white.

‘This case has nothing to do with race,’ Texas prosecutor Bill Wirskye asserted. ‘This case is not self-defense. Unjustified provoked murder is why we’re here this morning,’ he added.

The civil rights group Next Generation Action Network criticized the jury selection process, pointing out that no Black jurors were chosen. ‘The prosecution used its final strikes to remove the remaining qualified Black jurors from the jury pool, raising serious concerns about fairness and equal justice,’ the group stated.

According to Metcalf’s father, Jeff, Austin died after another student with a knife got upset during a dispute. Metcalf was stabbed in the chest and passed away in the arms of his twin brother Hunter, who was not present in court. Jeff Metcalf recounted the incident, saying, ‘His brother was holding on to him, trying to stop the bleeding. I rushed to the scene and saw Austin on the gurney. He wasn’t breathing. The wound was severe.’

Jeff Metcalf highlighted his son’s achievements, mentioning his 4.0 GPA, MVP status on the football team, and plans to attend college.

In June 2025, Anthony was charged with first-degree murder. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis remarked on the case’s impact. ‘When something like this happens at a school event, it shakes people to the core,’ Willis said.

While prosecutors accused Anthony of lying, Wirskye questioned his actions. ‘He tossed the knife immediately after the incident. Someone who’s scared doesn’t do that,’ Wirskye said.

In Texas, 17-year-olds are tried as adults. If convicted, Anthony faces a sentence ranging from five years to life in prison. After posting a $250,000 bond, Anthony was placed under house arrest yet allowed to complete high school with a 3.7 GPA.

Next Generation Action Network confirmed anthony’s graduation. ‘We are proud Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma,’ a representative stated. Anthony was barred from senior activities, as reported by NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.

Supporters have organized a crowdfunding effort, raising over $1.4 million for Anthony’s legal fees and relocation expenses.