On June 9, 2026, a Collin County jury convicted Karmelo Anthony of murder in the April 2025 stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet. Later that day, the jury assessed a 35-year prison sentence. The jurors rejected Anthony’s claim that he acted in lawful self-defense.

Why It Matters

This verdict changed the legal record. The murder charge was no longer simply an accusation. The jury had reached a finding of guilt after considering evidence, witnesses and the law. But the verdict does not answer every question about Austin’s life, his family’s grief or future appellate claims.

Go Deeper | The Full Record

Austin was a high school athlete and twin brother who attended a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium on April 2, 2025. During a disagreement over a team tent, he was stabbed. Medical aid could not save his life. His death affected his family, school and teammates long after the first news cycle ended.

The prosecution argued that Anthony provoked the confrontation and used deadly force that was not justified by a push or other contact. Defense lawyers pointed to testimony that Austin made physical contact and argued Anthony feared an attack. The jury was instructed to apply Texas law on murder and self-defense.

After closing arguments, jurors found Anthony guilty of murder rather than acquitting him or choosing the lesser charge of manslaughter. In the punishment phase, the defense asked the jury to consider a claim of sudden passion. The jurors did not accept the reduced punishment option.

Anthony’s mother Kala Hayes asked the jury for mercy during sentencing. Austin’s family gave victim-impact statements about the loss of their son and brother. The jury then assessed 35 years in prison. Under the sentence as reported, Anthony would have to serve approximately half that term before becoming eligible to be considered for parole, which does not guarantee release.

A guilty verdict and sentence are different phases of one trial. The fact that the jury chose 35 years does not mean Austin’s family received an answer about every disputed moment. It means the court entered a murder judgment under the evidence and legal standards at trial.

What Happens Next

Anthony’s counsel filed a notice of appeal June 10. In August, a separate request for a new trial was considered and denied. Neither an appeal notice nor a motion automatically changes a conviction.

Record integrity: Witness testimony, defense positions, court orders and verdicts are different kinds of evidence. This report does not treat a pending motion as an issued decision.