Karmelo Anthony, the now 18-year-old accused in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco ISD track meet in April, has been formally indicted on a murder charge by a Collin County grand jury. The indictment, handed down on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, marks a significant step forward in a case that has garnered national attention and sparked widespread discussion.
The incident occurred on April 2, 2025, at Kuykendall Stadium during a District 11-5A track meet. According to an arrest-warrant affidavit, the altercation began under a tent designated for Frisco Memorial High School students, where Metcalf was a student-athlete. Anthony, a student from Frisco Centennial High School, was reportedly asked by Metcalf to move. The affidavit states that Anthony allegedly reached into his bag and said, “Touch me and see what happens.” When Metcalf reportedly touched or pushed him, Anthony is said to have replied, “Punch me and see what happens.” Metcalf then allegedly grabbed Anthony again, at which point Anthony pulled out a knife and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest before fleeing the scene. Austin Metcalf was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the stabbing, despite efforts to save him (CBS News Texas, Austin American-Statesman).
Upon his arrest, Anthony reportedly told officers, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” and claimed Metcalf had put his hands on him after being told not to. He also inquired if Metcalf would be okay and if his actions could be considered self-defense (CBS News Texas).
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis emphasized the gravity of the case. “We know this case has struck a deep nerve — here in Collin County and beyond. That’s understandable. When something like this happens at a school event, it shakes people to the core,” Willis stated in a news release. He added that the justice system operates best with “steadiness and with principle,” a commitment his office upholds (CBS News Texas, The Dallas Morning News).
Anthony, who was 17 at the time of the incident, is being prosecuted as an adult under Texas law. He was initially held on a $1 million bond, which was later reduced to $250,000 on April 14, leading to his release on house arrest with an ankle monitor. Conditions of his release include parental supervision, weekly contact with the judge’s bailiff, and prohibitions on social media use and contact with Metcalf’s family (Wikipedia).
Anthony’s attorney, Mike Howard, stated that the indictment was “an expected and routine step in the legal process.” Howard maintains that Anthony will plead not guilty and assert self-defense. “It’s only in a trial that the full story can be heard, and that impartial justice can be done,” Howard said, expressing confidence that a jury would find reasonable doubt regarding the self-defense claim (CBS News Texas, Austin American-Statesman).
Frisco ISD released surveillance footage of the incident in mid-June. The video, captured from a distance, shows a sudden movement under the tent followed by people dispersing. While the individuals are not clearly identifiable, the footage reportedly does not show any visible fighting or pushing prior to the stabbing, which could challenge the self-defense narrative (CBS News Texas, Daily Mail).
The case has been fraught with public controversy and misinformation. Both families have reported receiving harassment, death threats, and swatting calls. Anthony’s family reportedly moved to an undisclosed location due to safety concerns, and his father resigned from his job after doxxing incidents. Judge Angela Tucker, who lowered Anthony’s bond, also faced doxxing and threats. Fundraising efforts for Anthony’s legal defense on GiveSendGo exceeded $515,000, while Metcalf’s family raised nearly $250,000 through GoFundMe campaigns (Wikipedia). Austin Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, expressed his relief that the legal process is moving forward, stating, “I fully believe that justice will be served for Austin Metcalf. I look forward to the forthcoming trial. But it will never bring my son back.” He has also publicly distanced himself from protests attempting to racialized the case, stating, “You’re trying to create more race divide than bridging the gap. I do not condone anything you do” (CBS News Texas, Wikipedia).
With the indictment, the case now formally enters the court system, and a trial schedule is expected to be set. If convicted, Anthony faces a potential sentence of 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
