Carmelo Anthony is facing first-degree murder charges following the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.
A jury announced its verdict on Tuesday after hearing testimony and reviewing evidence for four days. At the time of the incident, Anthony was 17; he is now 19 and had acknowledged stabbing Metcalf at the event. However, he claims he acted in self-defense.
The trial proceedings were relatively swift, with jurors deliberating for around three hours. Their focus was on whether Anthony intentionally caused Metcalf’s death and if there was any justification for a lesser manslaughter charge.
As of now, Anthony’s sentence has not been decided, as the trial will enter the sentencing phase. He faces a potential range of 5 to 99 years or even life in prison.
The incident itself occurred on April 2, 2025, during a track meet attended by multiple high schools. Witnesses reported that Anthony, a student from a competing school, entered a tent belonging to Metcalf’s school and requested that Metcalf and others leave. Anthony, however, stayed, seemingly taunting Metcalf and provoking a confrontation.
Prosecutors contended that Anthony instigated the situation, escalating the argument until it culminated in the stabbing, which he inflicted directly to Metcalf’s chest using a knife pulled from his backpack.
Several student witnesses characterized Anthony’s behavior as aggressive, stating he seemed to be “looking for a fight.”
During the trial, Anthony’s defense team argued for self-defense, claiming he felt threatened. Testimony revealed that Anthony told responding officers: “I’m not hated. I did it. He put his hands on me. I told him to stop.”
Due to the sensitive nature of the case, the jury was sequestered throughout the proceedings.
