A Texas jury convicted 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony of murdering fellow student Austin Metcalf during a 2025 school track event and sentenced him to 35 years in prison.
A Texas court has sentenced 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison after he was found guilty of murdering fellow student Austin Metcalf during a high school track and field event in Frisco, Texas.
The incident occurred on April 2, 2025, when both teenagers, aged 17 at the time, became involved in an argument during the competition. Prosecutors argued that Anthony intentionally stabbed Metcalf after threatening him, while the defense maintained that he acted in self-defense.
Investigators said the confrontation escalated between students from different schools, leading to Metcalf’s death. Because Anthony was under 18 when the crime occurred, Texas law did not allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty, although he was tried as an adult.
During the trial, prosecutors presented testimony from nearly two dozen witnesses, including students who identified Anthony as the attacker. Medical examiner Dr. Elizabeth Ventura testified that the stab wound penetrated Metcalf’s heart, causing his death.
The defense called several witnesses, including students and track coach Adam Linwood, who described Anthony as a high-achieving student and team captain nominee. Reports indicated that Anthony maintained a 4.0 GPA and had an excellent academic record.
After deliberating for less than three hours, the jury returned a guilty verdict. The jury was also allowed to consider a lesser manslaughter charge but ultimately convicted Anthony of murder.
Following the verdict, the school district expressed sympathy for the families, friends, and classmates affected by the tragedy, urging the community to continue supporting one another with compassion, respect, and understanding.
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