Texas Jury Determines Karmelo Anthony is Guilty of Austin Metcalf’s Murder

Jury Convicts Teen in Stabbing Case

A jury in Collin County, Texas, found 19-year-old Carmelo Anthony guilty of murder for the 2025 stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.

The incident took place at a regional track meet in Frisco, Texas, where Anthony was inside a tent during some rainy weather. Witnesses reported that athletes from Frisco Memorial, including Metcalf, persistently urged him to leave the tent—around 15 times, as they recall.

A fellow student-athlete testified that Anthony did not act in self-defense. According to this witness, Anthony had his hand in his backpack, and when Metcalf pushed him, he responded by stabbing Metcalf in the chest. “It’s lethal force against non-lethal force,” the witness described.

Anthony’s defense centered around the idea that Metcalf and his brother Hunter had attacked him, prompting Anthony to pull out a knife for protection.

However, numerous witnesses asserted they didn’t see either Metcalf or his brother assault Anthony.

While Anthony’s attorney argued for his self-defense, the jury found this argument unconvincing. It’s worth noting that this case had racial elements; Anthony is Black, whereas Metcalf was White.

Two significant issues harmed Anthony’s self-defense claim. Firstly, he chose not to testify, a decision that seemed unusual since it could have helped to persuade the jury to consider a lesser charge like manslaughter. Secondly, many prosecution witnesses, who all placed blame on Anthony, were also Black.

On Monday, it came to light that even one of the witnesses presented by the defense indicated that Anthony had instigated the situation, further damaging his case.

On the same day jurors were given their closing instructions for manslaughter as a potential lesser charge, the jury deliberated for just three hours before rendering their guilty verdict. Under Texas law, Anthony faces a sentence ranging from five to 99 years in prison. His attorneys did not call him to testify during the trial, but he may be asked to speak during the sentencing phase to advocate for a lighter sentence.

Given that he was under 18 at the time of the crime, Anthony is not subject to the death penalty.

Eyewitnesses in the courtroom reported that Anthony was visibly upset, crying and shaking, as the guilty verdict was announced. Additionally, his mother took the stand during the sentencing hearing, reportedly pleading with the jury for leniency on behalf of her son.