A Texas grand jury has indicted 18-year-old Karmelo Anthony for the April 2 stabbing death of standout Frisco Memorial linebacker Austin Metcalf. The fatal incident occurred during a high school track meet at Kuykendall Stadium. Anthony, who was 17 at the time, is being tried as an adult under Texas law. He faces a charge of first-degree murder and could be sentenced to life in prison.
Austin Metcalf: A Rising Football Star Taken Too Soon
Austin Metcalf was a well-known name in Texas high school football. A 6-foot, 220-pound junior linebacker, he had recorded 203 tackles in just 19 games. His future looked bright, and he was widely respected for his leadership on and off the field. The tragic attack that ended his life did not happen during a game, but in the bleachers of a track meet.
According to an arrest affidavit, Metcalf asked Anthony to move from under Memorial’s team tent. Witnesses say Anthony warned Metcalf not to touch him. When Metcalf did make contact, Anthony allegedly pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed him once in the chest. Metcalf reportedly asked for help before collapsing. He died in his twin brothers arms.
Indictment and Legal Developments
On June 25, a Collin County grand jury indicted Anthony for first-degree murder. The case will now proceed in the 296th District Court, overseen by Judge John Roach.
District Attorney Greg Willis addressed the public directly: “When something like this happens at a school event, it shakes people to the core,” he said. “The justice system works best when it moves with steadiness and principle.”
Anthony remains under house arrest after posting a $250,000 bond. Defense attorney Mike Howard has stated that Anthony acted in self-defense and looks forward to presenting the full story at trial.
Ongoing Impact and Next Steps
The case has drawn national attention and generated significant tension in the community. There have been threats, racist rhetoric, and even swatting calls connected to the investigation.
Video footage reviewed by media outlets under strict supervision reportedly shows a sudden burst of movement near the tent, followed by chaos as trainers and emergency responders rushed in. A bloodied knife was later found near Anthony’s backpack. Witnesses said Anthony confessed, telling officers: “I did it,” and “I was protecting myself.”
A trial date has not been set. It is not yet known if the defense will request a change of venue due to the high-profile nature of the case. For now, the football community continues to grieve the loss of a beloved teammate and friend.
“I am pleased that we are moving forward with the first-degree murder indictment,” said Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father. “But it will never bring my son back.”
