Full Breakdown
Trial Evidence Released in Karmelo Anthony Murder Case Shows Details of 2025 Frisco Stabbing
6/20/2026, 10:49:38 PM
Release of Trial Evidence in Karmelo Anthony Murder Case
On Friday, Collin County District Judge John Roach authorized the public release of photographs, surveillance video, body-camera footage, 911 recordings, and the knife identified as the murder weapon in the Karmelo Anthony case. The exhibits had been shown only to jurors during the first-degree murder trial that ended with a 35-year sentence.
Background & Context
The stabbing occurred on April 2, 2025, at about 9:55 a.m. during a regional track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas. A rain-delayed meet left athletes under a team tent. Centennial High School sophomore Karmelo Anthony was sitting in the tent when Memorial High School junior Austin Metcalf and his twin brother asked him to leave. Police say Anthony warned them not to touch him, reached into his backpack, and stabbed Metcalf in the chest with a 3½-inch folding Ozark Trail multi-tool knife purchased for $13. Both teens were 17. Metcalf was taken to a hospital and died despite CPR performed with a coach’s blood-soaked jacket. Anthony received a 35-year sentence, eligible for parole after half, and his bond was set at $1 million before being reduced to $250,000. Approximately 600 potential jurors were summoned, about 250 were selected for the trial.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Roach said the release “provides transparency” now that the trial is complete. Prosecutor Bill Wirskye called the knife “not particularly a quality knife” but lethal. District Attorney Greg Willis said the case “has struck a deep nerve” in Collin County. Roach imposed strict media restrictions for the trial, citing courtroom security and juror privacy concerns.
Criticism & Opposition
Anthony’s defense argues self-defense, filing a notice of appeal and a Batson challenge to the jury. His mother Kayla Hayes said the family was “targeted and discriminated against before a fair trial.” Metcalf supporters have praised the 35-year sentence as necessary accountability.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Metcalf’s father Jeff says the video shows a ten-second exchange, refuting claims of a “four-on-one” assault. Anthony repeatedly asserts the victim “put his hands on me.” No courtroom footage was public until the release, leaving gaps in observation of trial evidence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He put his hands on me. I told him not to. He put his hands on me.” — Karmelo Anthony, body-camera interview
- “I'm not alleged. I did it.” — Karmelo Anthony, during arrest
- “The video clearly shows the conversation lasted less than 10 seconds. That's it,” — Jeff Metcalf, father of the victim
- “We know this case has struck a deep nerve – here in Collin County and beyond.” — District Attorney Greg Willis
What’s Next
Anthony’s appeal is pending; a judge must determine his indigency and appoint counsel. The case continues to draw public demonstrations and media scrutiny as the legal process proceeds.
