Karmelo Anthony to appeal murder conviction in Frisco stabbing case
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One day after his conviction for murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet in 2025, Karmelo Anthony has filed a notice of appeal.
Anthony also filed a pauper oath appointment of attorney on appeal, a document that declares indigency, waives fees, and requests legal representation. It's unclear whether Anthony would be represented by the same defense team as in his first trial or if a new team would be assigned.
Anthony, who was admitted to fatally stabbing Metcalf during a confrontation at a high school track meet in Frisco last year, was found guilty of murder on Tuesday and sentenced to 35 years in prison.
A Collin County jury deliberated for about three hours before reaching a unanimous verdict and finding Anthony guilty of murder.
The same jury decided Anthony's sentence, sending him to state prison for more than three decades. Jurors rejected a premise from the defense that the murder was committed under "sudden passion," which could have allowed for a reduced sentence of less than 20 years.
Community advocate reflects on Karmelo Anthony sentence and its impact
As community members continue to process the sentencing of Karmelo Anthony, one North Texas advocate says the case leaves lasting pain for everyone involved.
Bruce Carter, who runs a company focused on building safer communities and empowering young people, said he expected Anthony to be convicted of manslaughter and receive a shorter sentence.
Carter said the outcome offers little comfort to either family.
“I thought he would have been found guilty of manslaughter 10, 15 years. But on the other hand, the Metcalfs have been given a life sentence. And so it's like there was no winners,” Carter said.
Carter said he is saddened by the loss experienced on both sides.
“I hate to see a 17-year-old lose his life. And I hate to see a 17-year-old lose his freedom, but this is where we are. And so the question becomes, what do we go from here?” Carter said.
Carter said he has remained in contact with Jeff Metcalf, Austin Metcalf's father, since the two met at a news conference hosted by the Anthony family last year. According to Carter, they have maintained an open dialogue since then.
Carter described a recent conversation with Metcalf following the guilty verdict.
“He said he got a good night's sleep for the first time in a long time. I was texting him during court, he said he was good. You know the pain is still the same, you know, because the young man got 35 years doesn't take away the pain from not having a son,” Carter said.
As legal experts continue to analyze the case and trial strategy, Carter said he believes the broader lesson involves how society handles conflict.
“We have a moral responsibility to teach conflict resolution. If the parents are failing the kids, we can't fail them as a society because it knocks on our door,” Carter said.
Carter said he worries about how both young people and adults handle disagreements and believes the case should serve as a reminder of the consequences of violence.
He said Austin Metcalf's death should not be forgotten and hopes people continue to reflect on how quickly lives can change.
“And 20 years from now, people need to know about Austin Metcalf because you're letting him know in three minutes and 24 seconds, under a tent, because it happened to rain that day. You lost your son. Another young man went got sentenced to 35 years,” Carter said.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert parts of the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.
Collin County DA stands with the victim's family after sentencing
The family of Austin Metcalf joined prosecutors at a press conference at the conclusion of the Karmelo Anthony murder trial on Tuesday. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis delivered the following statement:
"Today, justice was served. A year ago, when this senseless murder unfolded, I said that it had struck a deep nerve in Collin County and far beyond. I asked our community to ignore all the noise and instead be levelheaded and patient as the process worked. And today, the process delivered accountability. We are grateful to this jury, and we are grateful that the good citizens of Collin County had an opportunity to weigh in on this case. I'm proud of the exceptional work of Bill Wirskye and our team of prosecutors, DA investigators, and victim advocates, and all the good and outstanding men and women of the Collin County District Attorney's Office. We thank all the parents and their brave kids who did the right thing. Despite the trauma of witnessing the senseless murder at a school track meet. They cooperated fully and testified truthfully. Their courage was essential to securing justice in this case.
I'm especially honored to be joined here today by Jeff and Megan Metcalf and their son, Hunter. Their strength and grace throughout this unimaginable journey has been inspiring. They won't be taking questions at this time, but their presence here speaks volumes about their commitment to seeking justice for Austin.
I want to thank Judge Roach for presiding over this trial with fairness and efficiency. I want to thank Frisco PD for their investigation. I want to thank the Collin County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Skinner, for providing the security for the courthouse. I want to thank all law enforcement throughout the county for making this a safe trial for everyone.
This verdict sends a clear message. Violence like this won't be tolerated in our Collin County community, and we remain committed to protecting our schools and standing with victims and their families. Thank you."
Multiple arrests outside the courthouse
Multiple people were arrested outside the Collin County courthouse on Tuesday afternoon. Throughout the trial, large crowds of supporters for both the defendant and the victim gathered outside.
According to the sheriff's department, "The first arrest was for public intoxication. The second arrest was a warrant arrest for unlawful carrying of a weapon."
Frisco teen fatally stabbed at district track meet
Frisco Police were called to Kuykendall Stadium at about 10 a.m. on April 2, 2025, after 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf in the chest during a confrontation in the stands.
According to witnesses, an argument began when Metcalf, a Memorial High School junior, told Anthony, a Centennial High School student, to move from underneath Memorial’s pop-up tent used during a downpour.
When he was told to leave, Anthony immediately opened his bag, reached in, and said to the victim, "Touch me and see what happens," according to witnesses. When Metcalf pushed Anthony, a witness said Anthony unexpectedly pulled a black knife from the bag, stabbed Metcalf in the chest, and ran away.
The death drew national attention in part because of social posts that amplified the case over race. Anthony is Black, and Metcalf was white. Anthony told police he was protecting himself during the confrontation, but prosecutor Bill Wirske told jurors during opening remarks that it was a “senseless murder" and not a case of self-defense.
Austin Metcalf's father, Jeff Metcalf, said his son didn't know Anthony, and that Austin's twin brother, Hunter, was nearby when the confrontation took place and not only saw his brother get stabbed but tried to stop the bleeding.
Frisco Police said that despite lifesaving measures by police and fire personnel, including CPR and the administration of blood, Metcalf died in his twin's arms.
Jeff Metcalf said his son had a 4.0 GPA, was the MVP of the football team, and had a bright future, including attending college.
Anthony admitted to stabbing Metcalf and claimed self-defense. When an officer referred to Anthony as the 'alleged suspect,' Anthony reportedly responded, "I'm not alleged, I did it," and asked whether the stabbing could be considered self-defense and if Metcalf was OK.
The incident took place at the 11-5A championship district track meet, which included more than 100 students from eight schools. The district said that moments after the stabbing, the stadium was immediately secured, the meet was suspended, and all students were returned to their home campuses "with expediency."
