BREAKING: Karmelo Anthony Convicted of Murder in Fatal Stabbing of Austin Metcalf at Frisco Track Meet
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Karmelo Anthony Guilty of Murder in Austin Metcalf Track Meet Stabbing – Collin County Jury Convicts After 3 Hours | Texas Trial Verdict | 17GEN4 News
June 9, 2026 |
MCKINNEY, Texas — A Collin County jury convicted 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony of first-degree murder late Tuesday afternoon in the April 2, 2025, stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a Frisco Independent School District track meet at Kuykendall Stadium. The verdict came after roughly three hours of deliberations following closing arguments. Anthony was acquitted of any lesser charges.
The high-profile, racially charged case has gripped North Texas and drawn national attention since the incident. Anthony now faces a possible sentence of 5 to 99 years or life in prison. Sentencing proceedings could begin as early as Wednesday, as the jury returned its verdict quickly.
Recap of the April 2, 2025 Incident
During a rain delay at the regional track meet, Anthony — then a 17-year-old Centennial High School student-athlete and football captain — entered a team tent occupied by Memorial High School athletes. Witnesses said he sat down uninvited, refused multiple requests to leave, and engaged in taunting. A confrontation escalated when Metcalf, a 17-year-old Memorial student who did not know Anthony, allegedly shoved or pushed him. Anthony pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest. Metcalf collapsed and died at the scene despite immediate medical efforts. Anthony surrendered to police shortly afterward.
Prosecutors argued Anthony was the aggressor who brought a deadly weapon to a school event and used unjustified force. The defense claimed self-defense, asserting Anthony feared for his life amid a group of larger teens. However, surveillance video, multiple eyewitness accounts, and autopsy evidence presented by the state were described as strongly undermining the self-defense theory. Anthony did not testify during the trial.
Trial Timeline & Key Moments
Jury selection (June 1–3, 2026): A 12-person panel was seated with no Black jurors, prompting a denied Batson challenge from the defense.
Prosecution case: More than 20 witnesses, including friends of Metcalf, coaches, medical examiners, and law enforcement. Video evidence and the medical examiner’s testimony that the chest wound was unsurvivable were central.
Defense rests (June 8): Attorneys rested without calling Anthony to the stand.
Closing arguments & deliberations (June 9): Closings Tuesday morning; jury sequestered and reached verdict by mid-afternoon.
The courtroom was closed to cameras and live streaming by order of Judge John Roach Jr. to protect juror privacy and ensure a fair trial amid intense public interest. Heavy security was in place at the Collin County Courthouse due to protests and threats reported against both families.
Latest Updates (as of evening June 9, 2026)
Jury returned a guilty verdict on the top charge of murder.
Reactions are pouring in from both families, attorneys, and the public outside the courthouse. Live coverage shows crowds gathered as the news broke.
Sentencing phase expected to begin soon; the same jury will hear punishment evidence.
The case has reignited debates over self-defense laws, youth violence at school events, and media influence in high-profile trials. A defense fundraiser exceeded $625,000 and was cleared of any misuse allegations.
This verdict brings a legal conclusion to a tragedy that claimed the life of one promising student-athlete and forever altered the life of another — both from the same tight-knit North Texas community.
Karmelo Anthony Guilty of Murder in Austin Metcalf Track Meet Stabbing – Collin County Jury Convicts After 3 Hours | Texas Trial Verdict | 17GEN4 News
Breaking: Karmelo Anthony convicted of first-degree murder (not manslaughter) in the fatal April 2025 stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a Frisco high school track meet. Full trial recap, self-defense claim rejected, and latest on sentencing from June 9, 2026.
17GEN4 News
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