Full Breakdown
Texas Teen Sentenced to 35 Years for Fatal Stabbing at High School Track Meet
6/10/2026, 12:39:59 PM
Verdict and Sentence
On June 4, 2026, a Collin County jury found 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony guilty of murder for the April 2, 2025 stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet. After less than three hours of deliberation, the jury imposed a 35-year prison term.
Incident Background
During a rainy district meet, Anthony, a Centennial High School student, took shelter under the Memorial High School tent. Metcalf repeatedly told him to leave; witnesses say Anthony replied, “Touch me and see what happens,” retrieved a knife and stabbed Metcalf after Metcalf pushed him. Metcalf died despite on-site CPR and hospital care.
Key Participants
Key figures include Karmelo Anthony, Austin Metcalf, Judge John Roach Jr., Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirskye, defense attorney Mike Howard, medical examiner Dr. Elizabeth Ventura, Memorial coach Robert Starr, Anthony’s mother Kala Hayes, and the civil-rights group Next Generation Action Network.
Trial Overview
Prosecutors called nearly two dozen witnesses, including Dr. Ventura describing a gaping chest wound that pierced the right ventricle. The defense noted Anthony’s 4.0 GPA and team-captain nomination. The eight-day trial allowed jurors to consider manslaughter (up to 20 years), but they returned a murder verdict.
Official Statements
Wirskye called the act “unjustified murder,” saying Anthony provoked Metcalf and ignored repeated requests to leave. Howard argued Metcalf had “no legal right to put his hands on Karmelo” and cited Texas law that does not require waiting to be hit before self-defense. Judge Roach reminded jurors of the manslaughter option before the murder conviction.
Criticism and Opposition
Next Generation Action Network criticized the all-White jury, noting no Black juror was present and raising concerns about racial representation. Social-media posts highlighted Anthony’s Black identity and Metcalf’s white identity, though both attorneys said race was not a factor.
Conflicting Accounts
Witnesses differed on Metcalf’s push, describing it as a two-handed “lineman move” or a one-handed shove. Surveillance video shown at trial did not capture the stabbing, leaving the exact sequence unrecorded. Anthony did not testify; a coach reported his statement, “He put his hands on me. I stabbed him.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “You don't get to meet a shove with a stab, especially if you provoke the shove,” — Bill Wirskye, Assistant District Attorney
- “He put his hands on me. I stabbed him,” — Karmelo Anthony (as reported by a coach)
- “I'm not alleged, I did it,” — Karmelo Anthony
- “Texas law does not require that you wait until you get hit,” — Mike Howard, Defense Attorney
What’s Next
The sentencing hearing confirmed the 35-year term, and Anthony will serve the sentence in a Texas state prison. No appeals have been reported in the source material.
