Karmelo Anthony Charged With Murder After Fatal Track Meet Stabbing
A tragic confrontation between two high school athletes has turned into a nationally watched criminal case. Seventeen-year-old Karmelo Anthony is facing murder charges in Collin County, Texas, after the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, also 17, during a district track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco on April 2.
Witnesses say the incident escalated when Metcalf, a Memorial High School student, told Anthony, from Centennial High School, to move from under a team tent. According to police reports, Anthony warned, “touch me and see what happens,” before Metcalf allegedly pushed him. That’s when Anthony reportedly pulled a knife from his backpack and stabbed Metcalf in the chest. The teen died in the arms of his twin brother, Hunter, and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Anthony Claims Self-Defense Amid Competing Narratives
Anthony remains in custody at Collin County Jail on a $1 million bond. His attorney, Deric Walpole, is preparing a defense centered on self-defense. “I know that my client said it was self-defense. I don’t have any reason to disbelieve that,” Walpole stated. He has also filed a motion requesting a bond reduction.
Roughly 40 student athletes and several coaches reportedly witnessed the altercation. One adult on the scene helped officers recover the blood-stained knife. According to the arrest affidavit, Anthony distanced himself from the crowd after the stabbing. When officers approached, he allegedly put his hands up and said, “I was protecting myself.” When referred to as a suspect, he reportedly responded, “I’m not alleged, I did it.”
Community Divided as Fundraisers Highlight Tensions
As the legal case unfolds, public reaction has splintered. A GoFundMe page for Austin Metcalf’s family has already raised over $100,000. Supporters remember him as a standout student and promising football player with college prospects. His mother Meghan and twin brother Hunter released a statement thanking the community and pledging to honor Austin’s life.
At the same time, a GiveSendGo fundraiser for Anthony’s legal defense has surpassed $60,000. The campaign claims that the public narrative is “false, unjust, and harmful.” Commenters on the page suggest Anthony had been bullied by Metcalf, with one writing, “Let this be a message to all bullies. Don’t start no stuff, won’t be no stuff.”
Racial Dynamics at Play but Call for Peace Remains
The case, dubbed the “Karmelo Stabbing,” has stirred racial tension online. Photos of both teens holding hunting rifles have circulated, fueling polarized views of the incident. Still, many are urging the public to avoid reducing the tragedy to a race war. “This is nothing more than teenagers playing on the adult playground,” one comment read.
As both families navigate grief, trauma, and uncertainty, the courtroom—not social media—will ultimately decide whether this was murder or a tragic act of self-preservation.
