A woman from Missouri faces federal charges in Texas after she allegedly threatened the family of Austin Metcalf, following the conviction of Karmelo Anthony for the teenager’s murder.
Sharifa Nicole Henderson, 34, was taken into custody in Kansas City on September 11, shortly after a federal grand jury in Texas indicted her on three counts related to making interstate threatening communications.
Anthony’s trial wrapped up on June 9, and it is claimed that Henderson sent three separate death threats to the Metcalf family in the days following the verdict.
On June 10, she allegedly used Facebook Messenger to send a message to a member of the Metcalf family, proclaiming her intent to kill them and put them in a body bag. She reportedly followed up with, “now this is a threat take me to court [expletive].”
Later that same day, Henderson also called the Collin County government office, which was involved in prosecuting Anthony, and threatened to “demolish” the Metcalf family, even stating she would “strangle” one of them. This incident is also noted in the indictment.
On June 11, she sent another threatening message on Facebook Messenger, allegedly stating, “Don’t worry I’ll kill you next. I will hunt you forever until I kill you…I will be there. You will always have to look over your [expletive] shoulder.”
If convicted, Henderson could face up to five years in prison for each charge.
Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father, informed media that since the conclusion of the murder trial, their family has received over 100 threats. The case has garnered national attention, raising racial tensions as supporters of Anthony criticized the lack of Black jurors, while supporters of the Metcalf family rallied outside the courthouse for justice.
Karmelo Anthony, 19, was convicted over a year after he fatally stabbed Austin Metcalf, 17, during a regional high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, on April 2, 2025. Reports indicate that Anthony approached the Memorial High School team’s tent where Metcalf was, which led to a confrontation.
Surveillance footage later showed Anthony fleeing from the tent, and he reportedly told law enforcement, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” during his arrest. Authorities later indicated there was no indication that Metcalf and Anthony knew each other before this incident.
A Collin County jury sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison. Recently, a judge denied a motion for a new trial, although the family is preparing for another appeal.
