What is happening
On 9 June 2026, a Collin County jury found Karmelo Anthony guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a Frisco Independent School District track meet on 2 April 2025 578. The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before reaching its verdict 8. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison following further deliberation 68. He was transported to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility after being booked into Collin County Jail 1.
One day after the verdict, Anthony filed a notice of appeal 12. Minister Dominique Alexander pledged $10,000 toward the appeal effort 3.
The incident occurred at Kuykendall Stadium during a rainy track meet involving multiple Frisco ISD schools 822. According to witness testimony cited by CBS News and Fox 4 News, an argument developed when Anthony, a student at Centennial High School, sought shelter under the Memorial High School tent 1622. Students testified that Anthony was asked to leave the tent repeatedly — as many as 15 times, according to CBS — but refused 16. The confrontation escalated when Metcalf, a Memorial student, leaned in to push Anthony, and Anthony stabbed him in the chest with a folding knife 16. Metcalf died in the arms of his twin brother, Hunter 2.
Prosecutors, as reported by ABC News and CNN, argued that the stabbing was intentional and not self-defence, describing it as a "sneak, surprise attack" 822. The defence maintained that Anthony acted in fear during the confrontation 1822. Anthony confessed to the stabbing when arrested, telling officers "I'm not alleged, I did it," and said he was protecting himself 125.
Dr Elizabeth Ventura, the Collin County chief medical examiner, testified that Metcalf died from a stab wound that pierced his heart 1214.
Why it matters
The case has drawn national attention and exposed deep racial divisions in Collin County and beyond 4101521. Anthony is Black; Metcalf was white 71521. The trial proceeded with a jury that included no Black members, prompting a Batson challenge from the defence 2123. District Judge John Roach Jr accepted prosecutors' explanation that three Black prospective jurors were struck because they were educators, not for racial reasons 2123.
According to the Dallas Morning News, elected officials, celebrities, and civic organisations issued statements following the verdict, with some questioning the fairness of the proceedings 4. The Collin County NAACP, as cited by the Dallas Morning News, expressed anger and raised concerns about race and sentencing 4. The Collin County Young Democrats criticised the verdict 4.
Protests erupted outside the Collin County Courthouse after the verdict was announced, with supporters of both Anthony and Metcalf clashing 11. The Dallas Morning News reports that deputies broke up confrontations and about 14 officers stood guard 11. Multiple people were arrested outside the courthouse during the trial, according to NBC DFW 2.
The case became a flashpoint online, with false accusations and racist attacks directed at the Anthony family 25. Jake Lang, pardoned by President Donald Trump, posted repeatedly on X calling Anthony a "black thug," according to KERA News 25. Frisco Police Chief David Shilson and Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis both urged the public to beware of misinformation 2225.
Jeff Metcalf, Austin's father, told the court he has been the target of multiple swatting calls and called the public response to his son's murder "sickening" 6. He condemned those who seized on the race of the teenagers after the killing 22.
Who is involved
Karmelo Anthony was 18 at the time of the stabbing and was tried as an adult 7. He was a student at Centennial High School with a 3.7 GPA, according to testimony cited by NBC News and Fox 26 1520. He had been on house arrest with an ankle monitor after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000 2324.
Austin Metcalf was a 17-year-old student at Memorial High School. His father, Jeff Metcalf, described him as having a bright future 2. His twin brother, Hunter, and parents Megan and Jeff delivered emotional victim impact statements at sentencing 6819.
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis led the prosecution, which called 21 witnesses 1419. Defence attorney Mike Howard argued that Anthony acted in self-defense 182022.
Community advocate Bruce Carter, the Collin County NAACP, and the Next Generation Action Network have been vocal in the case 2415. Krystal Muhammad, national chair of the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, condemned the verdict as racist and unfair, according to the Dallas Morning News 11.
What to watch next
The appeal process will unfold in coming months 12. Minister Dominique Alexander's pledge of $10,000 signals organised support for Anthony's legal efforts 3.
The racial tensions exposed by the case are unlikely to subside quickly. Community members told CBS News they are worried about the impact of the verdict on Collin County 3. The Washington Post reported that the city was already struggling with racial divisions before the trial 10.
The Metcalf family has started a scholarship in memory of Austin 6. Whether the appeal succeeds in overturning the conviction or securing a new trial will depend on arguments over jury selection, the adequacy of the self-defence instruction, and other procedural matters that are not yet public.
The case has become a reference point in broader debates over self-defence law, racial justice in the criminal system, and the role of social media in shaping public perception of pending trials.