A Texas teenager, Karmelo Anthony, faces a murder charge after the stabbing death of another student during a high school track meet. The incident occurred on April 2 at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, where Anthony, 17, allegedly stabbed 11th grader Austin Metcalf. If convicted, Anthony will not face the death penalty, as confirmed by Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.
Willis stated that due to a Supreme Court ruling, individuals who commit crimes at age 17 cannot receive the death penalty or life without parole. The District Attorney’s Office is currently waiting for police to complete their investigation before moving forward with the case. Willis expressed a desire for the case to remain in Collin County, allowing local citizens to decide on the matter.
At a court hearing scheduled for Monday, Anthony’s lawyers are expected to request a reduction in his $1 million bond. Meanwhile, witnesses reported that the conflict began when Metcalf asked Anthony to move from under a team tent. Following a confrontation, Anthony allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest before fleeing the scene. According to an affidavit, Anthony admitted to having stabbed Metcalf to a responding police officer.
Since the arrest, Anthony’s family has received threats, and supporters have launched a fundraising campaign to cover his legal fees, raising nearly $300,000. They described the narrative surrounding the incident as misleading and harmful. In contrast, a GoFundMe initiated by Metcalf’s father has collected over $316,000, highlighting the young man’s promising future and his achievements in academics and sports.
Anthony remains in custody at the Collin County jail as the case continues to unfold.
