Karmelo Anthony found guilty and sentenced 35 years in prison for the 2025 track meet stabbing

MCKINNEY, Texas - Karmelo Anthony has been found guilty of murder in connection with the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf during a track meet last year. Anthony has been sentenced to 35 years in prison.

The 12-person Collin County jury deliberated for approximately two hours and 20 minutes late Tuesday morning, after defense attorneys and prosecutors delivered closing arguments.

Anthony was charged after the April 2, 2025, death of 17-year-old Metcalf at a stadium in the Dallas suburb of Frisco.

The defense rested its case Monday without calling Anthony to the witness stand.

During closing arguments Tuesday, Collin County District Attorney Bill Wirskye argued that Anthony provoked the confrontation, brought a hidden knife to the track meet, and launched an unjustified "sneak attack" on an unarmed victim.

"You don't get to meet a shove with a stab, especially if you provoke the shove," Wirskye told jurors.

Defense attorney Mike Howard countered that Anthony, who was 17 at the time, acted out of a "split second of fear and chaos" after being confronted and pushed by the much larger Metcalf inside a crowded team tent where Anthony was sitting. Howard maintained that the stabbing was an act of self-defense.

Jury hands down sentence

Anthony faced between five and 99 years or life in prison. Closing arguments in the punishment phase lasted approximately two hours and 20 minutes, before sentencing him to 35 years in prison. He is elgibile for parole after half time served.

Anthony will be in Sheriff's custody until he is transferred to the Texas Dept. of Corrections.

The punishment phase of the trial began within minutes of the verdict being read. Anthony's mother was the only witness called, and she asked for mercy for her son. Anthony could be seen crying as his mother testified. 

The judge told jurors that they have to decide if "sudden passion" played a role in Anthony's decision to stab Metcalf. That will determine the length of Anthony's sentence.

Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years

The jury sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole after half that time is served.

He faced anywhere from 5 to 99 years in prison. Jurors could have also found that he acted under sudden passion. That would have limited his punishment to just 20 years.

Victim impact statements

Metcalf's aunt was the first to address Anthony for victim impact statements. She said April 2, 2025 is a day she'll never forget. The call from her sister, Metcalf's mom, still haunts her.

"As I drove to the hospital, I never believed Austin could be gone," she said. "The impact of his death is permanent."

Metcalf's mom addresses Karmelo Anthony

Megan Metcalf, the victim's mother, talked about raising two energetic, loving souls.

"Now I only have videos and memories of his laugh," she told Anthony.

She talked about the morning of the track meet. She said she packed her son a snack and gave him a hug without knowing it would be the last time she'd ever feel his arms around her.

"You may have been given a sentence of 35 years. You should feel lucky. I've been sentenced to a lifetime without my son," she said.

Metcalf's dad reacts to verdict

Jeff Metcalf, the victim's father, called his son a friend, a leader, and a true warrior. 

"Since the day he first grabbed my finger, he had my heart with it," he said.

He talked about the joy he felt while watching both of his sons on the field at the same time. He also talked about a scholarship the family started in Metcalf's memory.

Jeff Metcalf also called the public response to his son's murder sickening. He said he's been the target of six swatting calls and Metcalf's mother has been targeted twice.

"With a gag order, I can't defend myself when people want to tear down my son's memory. That time is over!" he said. "I said from Day 1 this was never about race. It's about right and wrong. We are all humans. We all bleed the same color. You will face those consequences starting today."

Austin Metcalf's twin brother asks Anthony to look him in the eye

Hunter Metcalf, the victim's twin brother, asked Anthony to look him in the eye and said "I would really respect that."

He said he's been trying to learn how to forgive. He's chosen God and is trying to understand why his brother and best friend was taken from the world.

"Now I want everything taken from you," he told Anthony. "You took everything from me. I wake up every morning and his door is still shut."

Metcalf family hosts press conference following sentencing

"Today, justice was served. A year ago, when this senseless murder unfolded, I said that it had struck a deep nerve in Collin County and far beyond. I asked our community to ignore all the noise and instead by levelheaded and patient as the process worked. And today, the process delivered accountability. We are grateful to this jury, and we are grateful that the good citizens of Collin County had an opportunity to weigh in on this case," said Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. "This verdict sends a clear message. Violence like this won't be tolerated in our Collin County community. And we remain committed to protecting our school and standing with victims and their families."

Reactions to guilty verdict

A crowd gathered outside the Collin County Courthouse ahead of the verdict being read.

Tense moments between people who had opinions about either side of the case were seen with some people shouting in the faces of others. One group carried signs that read things such as "Justice 4 Austin."

Police and deputies could be seen at barricades erected in front of the courthouse trying to calm people in the crowd. Authorities later used vehicles to create further distance between the crowd and the building.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.