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A Texas teenager has been indicted on a murder charge after a 17-year-old boy was stabbed and killed at a high school track meet.

Memorial High School pupil Austin Metcalf, 17, was fatally stabbed on April 2 at a sporting event between two different schools at Memorial High School in Frisco.

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis has now announced that Centennial High School pupil Karmelo Anthony, 17, has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge.

Highlights
  • Karmelo Anthony, 17, has been indicted on first-degree murder charges for allegedly stabbing Austin Metcalf at a Texas high school track meet.
  • Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed in the chest after an altercation with Anthony, who claimed self-defense.
  • District Attorney Greg Willis said a grand jury had indicted Anthony, marking the case's move to court.
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    Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed at a track meet in Texas on April 2

    Image credits: meghanleemetcalf

    According to an arrest report, Metcalf and Anthony had an altercation prior to the killing, with Metcalf reportedly asking Anthony to move as he was sitting in his team’s tent.

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    A fight then broke out, and Anthony is alleged to have stabbed Metcalf in the chest before running away.

    Metcalf could not be saved and succumbed to his injuries.

    Anthony was then apprehended by police officers, confessing to the killing but reportedly alleging it was in self-defense.

    Karmelo Anthony has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge

    Image credits: Frisco Police Department

    Metcalf’s twin brother Hunter was with him during the incident and held him as he died, his father Jeff said.

    “For weeks, my team has been presenting evidence to the grand jury. Today, I summarized that evidence, and I asked the Grand Jury to return a first-degree murder indictment against Karmelo Anthony — which they did,” Willis said.

    “With that indictment, the case now moves formally into the court system. From this point forward, we’ll continue doing our part — fully and fairly — to pursue justice under the law. The trial schedule will be set by the court. But when the time comes, we’ll be ready.”

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    “We know this case has struck a deep nerve — here in Collin County and beyond. That’s understandable. When something like this happens at a school event, it shakes people to the core,” Willis added.

    “But the justice system works best when it moves with steadiness and with principle. That’s what we’re committed to. And that’s exactly what this case deserves.”

    After the indictment was announced, Anthony’s family said it was a moment they hoped they would never have to face.

    Image credits: GiveSendGo

    On a fundraising page set up to help pay for relocation, cost of living expenses, transport, counseling and legal support, the Anthonys said their son would fight the charge.

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    So far, donations have reached over $537,000.

    “This is a moment we hoped we would never face, yet one we’ve been preparing for throughout these long and painful months,” the Anthonys said in an update on the page.

    Metcalf’s father described him as a “bright young man”

    Image credits: Niquealex/Instagram

    “Your support has reminded us that we are not alone. Your love has helped us stand in the face of heartbreak, threats, and misinformation.”

    “We are not here to try this case on social media,” they added. “We are not interested in online arguments or judgment from those who do not know the full story. Karmelo will defend himself in a court of law — not in the court of public opinion.”

    A fundraising page has also been set up to help Metcalf’s family.

    Image credits: GoFundMe

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    In a statement on the page, his dad Jeff described him as a “bright young man” who had a “great future ahead of him.”

    “His smile would light up the room. His passion for football was unbelievable,” he said.

    “Voted team MVP this past season and carried a 4.0 GPA. He was looking forward to taking his game to the next level. His commitment, dedication, leadership, and sheer grit made him rise to the level of success that he desired.”

    Image credits: GoFundMe

    In the Texas criminal justice system, 17-year-olds are considered adults.

    If convicted of first-degree murder, Anthony faces a sentence from five years to life imprisonment.