Karmelo Anthony found guilty of murder in 2025 track meet stabbing
MCKINNEY, Texas - Karmelo Anthony has been found guilty of murder in connection with the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf during a track meet last year.
The 12-person Collin County jury began deliberating late Tuesday morning after defense attorneys and prosecutors delivered closing arguments.
Anthony was charged after the April 2, 2025, death of 17-year-old Metcalf at a stadium in the Dallas suburb of Frisco.
(FOX 4)
The defense rested its case Monday without calling Anthony to the witness stand.
During closing arguments Tuesday, Collin County District Attorney Bill Wirskye argued that Anthony provoked the confrontation, brought a hidden knife to the track meet, and launched an unjustified "sneak attack" on an unarmed victim.
"You don't get to meet a shove with a stab, especially if you provoke the shove," Wirskye told jurors.
Defense attorney Mike Howard countered that Anthony, who was 17 at the time, acted out of a "split second of fear and chaos" after being confronted and pushed by the much larger Metcalf inside a crowded team tent where Anthony was sitting. Howard maintained that the stabbing was an act of self-defense.
Jury to decide punishment
Anthony faces between five and 99 years or life in prison.
The punishment phase of the trial began within minutes of the verdict being read. Anthony's mother was the only witness called, and she asked for mercy for her son.
The court has recessed before the jury begins deliberating Anthony's punishment.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.
The Source: Information in this story came from KDFW and previous FOX Local reporting.