Trial Verdict in Frisco Stabbing Case
In a Collin County courtroom, after Carmelo Anthony was found guilty of stabbing Austin Metcalf to death at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in 2025, loved ones of Metcalf delivered impactful statements while Anthony listened. The same jury had also sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison.
Jeff Metcalf, the victim’s father, described his son as a friend, a leader, and a true warrior. He expressed, “My son’s death destroyed who I was.” With palpable emotion, he reflected on the bond he shared with his two sons, recalling the joy of watching them on the field.
Further demonstrating his grief, Jeff criticized the public’s response to his son’s murder and shared that he had received six aggressive phone calls, while the victim’s mother faced similar harassment. He emphasized, “With a gag order, I won’t be able to protect myself when people try to destroy my son’s memory. Those days are over! This isn’t about race; it’s about right and wrong. We’re all human beings.” Notably, Anthony is Black, and Metcalf was white.
Addressing Anthony directly, Jeff stated, “You have betrayed your parents, yourself, and your community. You do not belong here.” Then he reiterated, “My son no longer exists.”
Jeff Metcalf expressed that grief isn’t solely sadness but also “pure, unfiltered anger,” raising his voice, his fist striking the table. In a moment of anger directed at Anthony, he questioned how someone could commit such an act without looking the other person in the eye.
According to reports, the judge addressed prosecutor Bill Wilsky regarding the emotional outburst in the courtroom.
Jeff Metcalf stood merely two feet away from his son’s murderer, maintaining his gaze on Anthony throughout his statement. Hunter Metcalf, the victim’s twin brother, noted the lack of eye contact from Anthony and requested him to look in his eyes, stating, “I really respect that.”
Hunter spoke about his journey toward forgiveness, expressing a struggle to understand why he lost his brother and best friend. “You took everything from me. I wake up every morning, and his door is still closed,” he told Anthony.
Megan Metcalf, the victim’s mother, shared her memories of raising two healthy, loving children. She recounted packing her son a snack on the morning of the track meet and giving him a hug, unaware that it would be their last. “You could have received a 35-year sentence, but I’ve been sentenced to a lifetime without my son,” she said, addressing Anthony.
Carmelo Anthony, at 19, is eligible for parole after serving half of his 35-year sentence. His murder conviction could have led to a sentence ranging from five to 99 years. The jury considered whether Anthony had acted out of “sudden passion,” which could have reduced the sentence to 20 years.
A video report indicated that Anthony appeared visibly shaken and sobbing when the guilty verdict was announced. His mother’s plea during sentencing for mercy painted a painful picture of the familial turmoil stemming from the tragedy.
Following the sentencing, a new mug shot of Anthony was taken at the Collin County Sheriff’s Office.
Additionally, a reporter noted that Anthony was observed saying “I’m sorry” to his family, though they were not present during the statements from the victims’ family.
