Karmelo Anthony, 19, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, who was fatally stabbed at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. The conviction came after a jury found Anthony guilty of murder, a charge that carries a sentence of five years to life.

The fatal incident occurred during a track and field competition involving multiple schools at a Frisco Independent School District stadium. Police stated that Metcalf, an 11th grader, was stabbed during an altercation that took place under his school's tent in the stadium bleachers. Witnesses reported that the dispute arose when Anthony, then a 17-year-old student at Frisco Centennial High School, was under Metcalf's school tent during the rainy event.

Prosecutors characterized the stabbing as "senseless and plain and simple murder." The defense, however, contended that Anthony acted in self-defense. Jurors heard testimony over four days at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, Texas. Anthony chose not to testify during his own defense.

Following the guilty verdict, Metcalf's family delivered emotional victim impact statements. His mother, Meghan Metcalf, spoke of the profound loss, stating, "For journalists, activists, this is a story. For our family, this is our reality." Austin's father, Jeff Metcalf, expressed his deep grief and rage, describing his son's death as having destroyed him.

The jury deliberated for three hours before reaching the murder verdict on Tuesday. They also considered a manslaughter charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. After further deliberation, the same jury determined Anthony's sentence.

During the punishment phase, Anthony was reportedly seen crying upon returning to court. His mother was the sole witness to speak on his behalf, appealing to the jury for mercy. Anthony waived his right to testify during this phase of the trial.

The court allowed jurors to consider "sudden passion" as a mitigating factor, which, if proven, could have reduced the sentence to between two and 20 years. The defense argued that Anthony was overcome by intense emotion and acted impulsively before he had time to calm down.

Judge John Roach had imposed a gag order in the case, limiting public statements from those involved, and barred any electronic recording of the proceedings. The conviction and sentence bring a conclusion to a case that has deeply affected the families of both teenagers and the wider community.