On Wednesday morning, April 2, high school junior Austin Metcalf, 17, was stabbed to death by another student during a track and field meet in Frisco, Texas. The incident took place at David Kuykendall Stadium at Frisco Independent School District as multiple schools attended the district’s track championship. During the first few days, the perpetrator’s intentions, Karmelo Anthony, were unknown.
Before the violent incident occurred, witnesses told police that Anthony, 17, was irritated that Metcalf either “pushed” or “grabbed” him during an altercation in the bleachers. According to the Dallas Morning News, “the two boys were arguing about Anthony being in the wrong school’s tent during a weather delay.”
After being stabbed, Metcalf died from his injuries despite police and fire rescue attempting CPR to save his life. According to 6 ABC News, Hunter Metcalf, Austin’s brother, said, “I tried to whip around as fast as I could, but I didn’t see the stab.” Metcalf’s twin brother attended the track meet, however, he did not witness the stabbing, but held his twin brother in his arms while he was dying.
The Colin’s County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting Anthony’s case and is still ongoing, awaiting trial. A grand jury will decide his “fate,” whether he is convicted of first-degree murder or a less severe charge of manslaughter. If Anthony is convicted of first-degree murder in Texas, this consists of a mandatory life sentence. With Anthony being a minor, he would be eligible for parole after 40 years. If the jury finds him guilty, the trial will begin, and a new court date will be set.
Anthony’s defense team is hoping to get a diminished charge and claims self-defense over premeditation. Kala Hayes, Anthony’s mother, describes how her family has been threatened and under attack of racial harassment and death threats. Some believe that Anthony’s actions were racially motivated and envious. Hayes states, “Our son deserves the same rights under the law that everyone is afforded; he’s been raised in a two-parent home with structure, stability, love, and we put God first in everything we do. We believe in the Constitution. We believe in the laws of this state, but those laws must apply to all of us, not just some of us.”
After Anthony’s first hearing, “District Judge Angela Tucker lowered Anthony’s bond from $1 million to $250,000.”
As for the victim’s family, Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father, stated, “I pray that none of this happens to another family. If you can’t be a kind person, find one. We need more compassion, more love, more understanding, better parenting, and less social media.”
The day after the incident, the principal’s email was sent out to parents at Frisco Memorial High School, stating, “Tomorrow morning, we will acknowledge Austin’s death during 2nd period and will offer support throughout the day,” the email said. “District and campus counselors will be available to support your child through the grieving process.”
There are many factors to consider, according to Anthony’s defense team. His team claims that they are “always two sides to a story.” However, there are three in this case. Two sides of two different accusations, misconceptions, and accounts, while one side is the truth. Investigators are still uncovering the full story and motivation behind Anthony’s actions. Anthony is currently under house arrest and is prohibited from having any sort of contact with the Metcalf family and must have an adult supervising him at all times when permitted to visit his attorney’s office.
