Texas Teen Sentenced to 35 Years for Fatal Stabbing of Track Athlete at School Meet

A Texas jury has convicted 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony of murder and sentenced him to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old track athlete Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.

The verdict was delivered on Tuesday after jurors rejected Anthony’s claim that he acted in self-defense during the April 2025 confrontation. The case drew nationwide attention and sparked intense public debate, partly because of the racial dynamics surrounding the incident. Anthony is Black, while Metcalf was white. However, attorneys on both sides argued that race was not a factor in the killing.

According to prosecutors, the altercation began when Anthony refused repeated requests to leave a tent designated for Memorial High School athletes during a rain delay at the track meet. Witnesses testified that tensions escalated before Anthony allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest. The wound proved fatal.

Defense lawyers argued that Anthony feared for his safety and acted in self-defense after being confronted and pushed by Metcalf. They maintained that Texas law did not require him to wait until he was struck before responding. Prosecutors, however, countered that Anthony provoked the confrontation and used excessive force, describing the stabbing as an unjustified act of violence.

After deliberating for less than three hours, the jury found Anthony guilty of murder rather than the lesser charge of manslaughter. Jurors later rejected defense arguments that he acted under “sudden passion,” a finding that could have resulted in a significantly reduced sentence. Instead, they imposed a 35-year prison term.

Emotional scenes unfolded in the courtroom as members of Metcalf’s family delivered victim impact statements. His parents and twin brother spoke about the devastating loss and the lasting impact of the tragedy. Anthony’s mother also addressed the court, pleading for mercy and saying her son was remorseful.

Because Anthony was 17 at the time of the offense, he was not eligible for the death penalty. Under Texas law, he will become eligible for parole after serving a portion of his sentence.

The case attracted widespread attention across the United States, with supporters of both families closely following the proceedings. Authorities maintained heightened security around the courthouse throughout the trial due to the large crowds and public interest surrounding the case.