The family of 17-year-old student athlete Karmelo Anthony has raised more than $245,000 after he was accused of fatally stabbing his track rival Austin Metcalf. The shocking incident happened during a heated argument at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Anthony, a senior at Centennial High School, was arrested and charged with murder. He allegedly stabbed Metcalf, also 17, during a dispute over a seat under a pop-up tent during a football game.
According to police, Metcalf asked Anthony to move. When Anthony refused, the situation escalated. Anthony reportedly warned, โTouch me and see what happens,โ before pulling a black knife from his bag and stabbing Metcalf in the chest.
Metcalf Died in His Twin Brotherโs Arms
Witnesses say Metcalf collapsed into the arms of his twin brother, Hunter, who tried desperately to save him. โI looked at my brother and Iโm not going to talk about the rest. I tried to help him,โ Hunter told local reporters.
Their parents rushed to the hospital but arrived too late. โWe prayed, and itโs Godโs plan. I donโt understand it,โ said Jeff Metcalf, Austinโs father. โThis is murder.โ
Austin Metcalf was a standout student and star football player at Friscoโs Memorial High School. He carried a 4.0 GPA and had dreams of playing college football. His father described him as a โleader of menโ with a smile that could light up any room.
Conflicting Accounts and Legal Questions
Anthonyโs version of events has sparked debate. He told a school resource officer he acted in self-defense. He claimed Metcalf grabbed him and that he feared for his safety.
โWas it self-defense?โ Anthony reportedly asked the officer. He also asked if Metcalf would be okay.
Police say Anthony ran from the scene but was quickly apprehended. He is being held on a $1 million bond and faces five to 99 years in prison if convicted.
Fundraising Pages Reflect Deep Divides
Despite the criminal charge, support for Anthony has poured in. His family launched a fundraiser, which has already reached $245,000 toward a $300,000 goal.
In a message on the page, the family rejected the public narrative surrounding the case. They called it โfalse, unjust, and harmful.โ They say the real story hasnโt been fully told and that Anthony deserves a fair chance.
Meanwhile, Metcalfโs fundraiser has drawn even more support. Donations have exceeded $292,000. โI love you forever, son,โ Jeff Metcalf wrote in tribute to his late son.
School District and Community Respond
The University Interscholastic League, which governs high school athletics in Texas, released a statement after the stabbing. Officials said the track meet was immediately suspended, and the stadium secured.
โUIL is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place,โ the statement read. โOur thoughts go out to those impacted.โ
The school district is working with local authorities and providing counseling to students and staff shaken by the tragedy.
A Rising Star Behind Bars
Anthony is no stranger to the spotlight. Heโs been a star athlete himself, playing football and competing in track events. Now, his once-promising future hangs in the balance.
His supporters point out that his products of upbringing and community influence must be considered. Others argue thereโs no excuse for bringing a weapon to a school event.
Jeff Metcalf did not hold back in sharing his griefโand his forgiveness. โI already forgive this person,โ he said. โGod is going to take care of my family.โ
Still, he questioned what values Anthony had been taught. โHe brought a knife to a track meet and murdered my son,โ he said. โWhat kind of parents did this child have?โ
Both Families Grapple With Aftermath
The tragedy has left both families reeling. On one side, a promising young life cut short. On the other, a teenager now facing life in prison.
Jeff Metcalf expressed compassion despite his heartbreak. โI feel for the suspectโs family,โ he said. โTheir son will end up in prison and learn that he killed someone. Itโs unfortunate for everyone involved.โ
As the legal process unfolds, the debate continues in the court of public opinion. Some say this was a tragic mistake. Others insist it was a violent crime with devastating consequences.
The incident has sparked calls for tighter security at school events and more mental health support for teens under pressure.
What Comes Next for Karmelo Anthony?
Anthonyโs legal team has not made any public statements, but legal experts say self-defense could be difficult to prove. Prosecutors will likely argue the knife was premeditated and that the use of deadly force was not justified.
Still, the trial could take months to begin. Until then, Anthony remains in custody.
Meanwhile, both GoFundMe campaigns continue to attract donations and comments from supporters and strangers alike. Some messages call for justice. Others plead for understanding.
The story of Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf is far from over. But one thing is clearโtwo families, two futures, and one tragic moment have left a mark on an entire community.
