The tragic stabbing incident at a Frisco Independent School District track meet on April 2, 2025, has left the community shaken and grieving. Seventeen-year-old Karmelo Anthony, a Centennial High School student, was arrested and charged with the murder of fellow 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a junior at Memorial High School. After weeks of silence, Karmelo Anthony’s family spoke publicly for the first time, sharing their perspective on the incident, the impact on their lives, and the challenges they have faced since the tragedy.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The fatal stabbing occurred during a UIL District 11-5A track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco. According to police reports and witness statements, Karmelo Anthony was sitting under a tent designated for Memorial High School when an altercation broke out. Witnesses said Karmelo was asked to leave the tent and warned Metcalf not to touch him. The confrontation escalated, and Karmelo allegedly pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed Austin Metcalf in the chest. Karmelo reportedly admitted to the stabbing and questioned whether his actions could be considered self-defense.
The incident resulted in the tragic death of Austin Metcalf, a promising student-athlete, and led to Karmelo Anthony’s arrest on a first-degree murder charge. The news quickly drew national attention, sparking intense media coverage and social media discussions.
Family Speaks Out Amidst Misinformation and Threats
On April 17, Karmelo Anthony’s family held a press conference, organized by the social justice organization Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), to address the public for the first time since the incident. The family expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Austin Metcalf and extended their condolences to his family.
Kayla Anthony, Karmelo’s mother, spoke emotionally about the toll the events have taken on her family. She revealed that since the stabbing, they have been subjected to harassment, threats, and false narratives that have endangered their safety and mental well-being. “Whatever you think happened, my three younger children, my husband, and I didn’t deserve to be threatened, harassed, and lied about,” she said. Kayla also shared that her husband had to take a leave of absence from work due to fears for their family’s safety and the strain on his mental health.
Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN, emphasized the need for respect and dignity for all involved. While Austin Metcalf’s father was present at the press conference, he was asked to leave by Dallas Police shortly after arrival to maintain the event’s focus and safety.
Advocating for Fairness and Due Process
The Anthony family stressed the importance of allowing the legal system to determine the truth. Kayla Anthony stated, “Our son deserves the same legal rights as anyone else. He has been raised in a loving, stable home, and we trust in the legal system.” Their attorneys echoed this sentiment, advocating for a fair trial and seeking a reduction of Karmelo’s initial $1 million bond, which was later lowered to $250,000. After the bond reduction, Karmelo was released on house arrest.
Karmelo’s defense team indicated that they are exploring a self-defense claim, though they emphasized that investigations are ongoing and the facts are still being gathered. The family and legal representatives have called for patience and respect for the judicial process, urging the public to avoid rushing to judgment amid the emotional and complex circumstances.
Impact on the Community and Families
The stabbing has deeply affected both families and the wider Frisco community. The Metcalf family mourns the loss of a beloved son and student-athlete, while the Anthony family faces the challenge of supporting their son through a serious legal battle under intense public scrutiny.
Both families have received support from their communities, with fundraisers established to assist with legal and memorial expenses. The Anthony family’s fundraiser on GiveSendGo raised significant donations, though some fundraising efforts on other platforms were removed due to policies against raising money for individuals charged with violent crimes.
Security measures have been heightened at the Collin County courthouse due to threats and tensions surrounding the case. The families have appealed for privacy and understanding as they navigate this difficult period.
Moving Forward with Compassion and Justice
The Karmelo Anthony case is a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding youth violence, legal accountability, and community healing. The Anthony family’s first public statement highlights their grief, their plea for fairness, and their desire to counter misinformation that has exacerbated their pain.
As the legal process continues, it remains crucial for the community and media to approach the situation with empathy, respect, and a commitment to justice. Both families deserve compassion as they cope with the profound consequences of this tragedy.
The hope is that through careful legal proceedings and community support, healing can begin for all those affected by the heartbreaking events at the Frisco track meet.
Team,
Eyespacestudio.