Jury Delivers Verdict in Karmelo Anthony Murder Trial

A jury has reached a verdict in the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, who was accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old high school athlete Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet last year. The jury deliberated for more than two hours on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, after receiving the case earlier in the day.

Anthony, now 19, was charged with first-degree murder for the April 2, 2025, incident at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco. The confrontation occurred under a team tent during a rain delay at a track meet. Prosecutors argued Anthony, then a student at Frisco Centennial High School, entered the tent used by Metcalf's Frisco Memorial High School team, refused repeated requests to leave, and provoked the fatal encounter. Witnesses testified Anthony told Metcalf, "Touch me and see what happens," before Metcalf pushed or grabbed him. Anthony then pulled a knife from his backpack and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest. The medical examiner testified the wound was not survivable.

The defense contended Anthony acted in self-defense, fearing for his safety after being confronted. Defense attorney Mike Howard argued in closing statements that Metcalf had no legal right to use force to eject Anthony...