Appeal Filed After Murder Conviction of Karmelo Anthony

Following his conviction for the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a track meet in 2025, Karmelo Anthony has officially filed a notice of appeal.

The jury, after about three hours of deliberation, dismissed Anthony’s self-defense argument regarding the fatal altercation on April 2, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. They unanimously found him guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced him to 35 years in prison.

On the day after the verdict, the 19-year-old sought legal representation for his appeal by submitting a motion for counsel appointment and a pauper’s oath, indicating he is requesting a waiver for appellate fees.

“After the trial concluded, we notified the court of Karmelo Anthony’s appeal. We believe there are significant issues for the appellate courts to examine. This appeal is the next step in the legal process and is a right granted to every American,” attorney Mike Howard said.

The incident unfolded during a track meet at Memorial High School, involving students from various schools. Reports indicate that Anthony, from a rival school, entered a tent belonging to Metcalf’s team. After being asked to leave by Metcalf and others, he allegedly instigated a confrontation, which led to Metcalf attempting to remove him physically.

What started as a verbal altercation escalated tragically when Anthony drew a knife from his backpack and fatally stabbed Metcalf in the chest.

This case attracted significant media attention, especially during the emotional courtroom scenes that followed. In a heart-wrenching moment, Metcalf’s twin brother, who witnessed the aftermath of the stabbing, addressed Anthony during victim impact statements.

“You took a son, a brother, a friend, and my best friend from this world. You took someone who was supposed to be an uncle and godfather to my kids. Now I want everything taken from you,” Hunter Metcalf stated.