The father of a teenager fatally stabbed at a Texas track meet has declared that "no such thing" as justice exists for his family, following a judge's denial of a retrial for the convicted killer. Jeff Metcalf, father of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, expressed his sentiment in an exclusive interview with ABC News on August 24, 2026.

Karmelo Anthony, now 19, was convicted of murder in June 2026 for the April 2025 stabbing of Austin Metcalf during an altercation at a Frisco, Texas, track meet. Anthony's attorneys had argued he acted in self-defense, while prosecutors maintained the act was unjustified murder. The recent denial of Anthony's request for a new trial means his 35-year sentence for the killing will stand.

"I got handed a life sentence, so did Meghan, Hunter. So did everybody else in my family and her family," Jeff Metcalf told ABC News, referring to Austin's mother, Meghan Metcalf, and twin brother, Hunter Metcalf. He detailed the profound and lasting grief his family endures, highlighting the absence of Austin at future milestones like graduations, birthdays, and holidays, with an "empty seat" becoming a permanent fixture.

Despite the immense pain, Metcalf expressed a degree of sympathy for Anthony's situation. "He still gets to see his family. It's a tragedy he has to be in prison. I feel sorry for him," Metcalf said, acknowledging that Anthony's life is also significantly impacted. However, he quickly added, "But I don't feel sorry for what he did, though. He needs to be held accountable."

The motion for a new trial was denied by retired Kaufman County District Judge Michael Chitty on Saturday. Anthony's new legal team had contended that he was coerced into waiving his right to testify and that restrictions imposed during the original trial by Collin County Judge John Roach prevented a fair hearing. These arguments were ultimately unsuccessful in overturning the conviction.

Judge Roach had been removed from further proceedings after the defense challenged his impartiality, leading to Judge Chitty's assignment to oversee the post-conviction motions. The denial of the motion for a new trial was confirmed by Anthony's appellate attorney, Russell Wilson.

The original trial centered on the defense's claim of self-defense against the prosecution's assertion of premeditated murder. The altercation occurred in April 2025, leading to a conviction for Anthony in June 2026.

Further details of the interview with Jeff Metcalf are scheduled to be featured on "Good Morning America" on Tuesday, August 25, from 7 to 9 a.m. ET on ABC.