Here\u2019s everything you need to know about Anthony, his trial, and why the case has become so divisive.<\/p>\n
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Frisco Police<\/p>\n
Mugshot of Karmelo Anthony.<\/p>\n
Who Is Karmelo Anthony?<\/p>\n
Anthony was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and moved to the North Texas area in 2021, according to Fox 4<\/a>. He is the oldest of four children.<\/p>\n Family representatives revealed Anthony attended Frisco Centennial High School and held a 3.7 GPA as a student. He was a captain of both the school\u2019s football and track-and-field teams. Away from school, he worked at Foot Locker for two years as well as the H-E-B supermarket chain.<\/p>\n Anthony had no criminal record prior to the deadly incident with Metcalf. Now, he faces a potential life prison sentence.<\/p>\n What Happened Between Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf?<\/p>\n On April 2, 2025, Anthony and Metcalf, a junior from Memorial High School, were involved in a violent confrontation at a District 11 high school track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas.<\/p>\n According to witnesses, including Hunter Metcalf\u2014Austin\u2019s brother who was also at the meet\u2014Metcalf allegedly confronted Anthony<\/a> over his presence in a seating area and asked him to leave. It is purported Anthony stabbed Metcalf in the heart in the ensuing altercation. Metcalf died despite lifesaving attempts by police and fire personnel.<\/p>\n Read About Other Trials in the News<\/p>\n Anthony was immediately taken into custody and charged with felony first-degree murder, per a news release from Frisco Police and Fire<\/a>. His bond was immediately posted at $1 million, but later adjusted to $250,000<\/a>. Anthony was allowed to leave jail and placed under house arrest with an ankle monitor, only permitted to leave with a judge\u2019s approval.<\/p>\n On June 24, 2025, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced a Grand Jury had indicted Anthony for first-degree murder<\/a>. Anthony is being tried as an adult, meaning he faces 5 years to 99 years in prison, or a life sentence.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know this case has struck a deep nerve\u2014here in Collin County and beyond. That\u2019s understandable. When something like this happens at a school event, it shakes people to the core,\u201d Willis said in a news release. \u201cBut the justice system works best when it moves with steadiness and with principle. That\u2019s what we\u2019re committed to.\u201d<\/p>\n What Has Karmelo Anthony Said About Austin Metcalf\u2019s Death?<\/p>\n An arrest affidavit shows Anthony told the arresting officer, \u201cI was protecting myself,\u201d before he was officially questioned, according to WFAA<\/a>. He also reportedly asked whether Metcalf would survive the incident<\/a> and if his actions could be considered self-defense.<\/p>\n It is speculated the defense team will similarly argue Anthony felt threatened by Metcalf and acted in self-defense.<\/p>\n Because of the ages and racial identities of the teenagers involved\u2014Anthony is Black, while Metcalf was white\u2014the case quickly became polarizing. The Anthony family received deaths threats in the weeks following the stabbing, according to Texas Metro News<\/a>. Additionally, protesters organized a \u201cProtect White Americans\u201d rally in Frisco, which Jeff Metcalf\u2014the victim\u2019s father\u2014condemned and suggested was creating a racial divide.<\/p>\n More Trending Crime Cases<\/p>\n \u201cWe believe in the legal process and that is where the truth will come out,\u201d Anthony\u2019s mother, Kala Hayes, said of the case<\/a>. \u201cTo the family who experienced the loss, my heart truly goes out to you. To those who have supported my family, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n Because of widespread interest in the case, and with misinformation being shared across social media, there will be several precautions in place to ensure the trial is fair and accurate.<\/p>\n When does Karmelo Anthony\u2019s trial begin?<\/p>\n Anthony\u2019s trial is scheduled to begin Monday, June 1, at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, Texas. It is expected to last two weeks.<\/p>\n Presiding District Judge John Roach Jr. issued a gag order in July 2025, barring anyone associated with the prosecution and defense from speaking about the case publicly, according to Texas Metro News. This includes, attorneys, witnesses, law enforcement, and court staff.<\/p>\n
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