Teen charged in fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf claims self-defense in heartbreaking track meet tragedy
The stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Texas high school track meet leaves a family shattered and a community divided, as the suspect claims he was only protecting himself.
A tragic confrontation between two student athletes at a Texas track meet ended in the death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, whose twin brother held him in his arms as he died. The suspect, Karmelo Anthony, also 17, says he stabbed Austin in self-defense — a claim that has sparked heated debate both online and in the local community.
On April 2, at around 10 a.m., students from multiple high schools gathered at the David Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, for a championship track and field event. Austin Metcalf, a junior at Memorial High School and standout athlete, was there with his twin brother, Hunter, when an argument broke out in their team’s tent.
According to Hunter, a student from another school — later identified as Karmelo Anthony from Centennial High School — entered their team’s space. When asked to leave, Karmelo allegedly became aggressive.
“My brother stepped in and said, ‘you need to move,’” Hunter told WFAA. “And [Karmelo] said, ‘Make me move.’”
That’s when things took a tragic turn. Witnesses say Karmelo pulled a knife from his backpack and stabbed Austin once in the chest before running off. The knife was later found in the stadium bleachers.
“I tried to help him,” Hunter said tearfully. “I tried to stop the bleeding. I held him until the medics came… they had to pull me off him.”
A twin’s heartbreak and a father’s grief
Austin’s death has devastated his family and the wider school community. His father, Jeff Metcalf, shared that the twins did everything together and were nearly inseparable.
“They were twins, identical twins, and his brother was holding on to him, trying to make it stop bleeding,” he said in an interview with NBC. “He died in his brother’s arms.”
Hunter echoed the same heartbreak: “I saw him for his last moments… He knew how much I loved him.”
A confession and a claim of self-defense
Karmelo Anthony did not run far. Police caught up with him soon after the stabbing. According to an affidavit, he confessed immediately: “I’m not alleged, I did it.” He claimed Austin had put his hands on him and said he acted in self-defense.
Karmelo was described as crying hysterically in the back of the police car, asking whether Austin was going to be okay. Officers noted fresh blood on his hand.
But witnesses tell a different story. At least 30 students and coaches reportedly saw the stabbing. One witness said Karmelo told Austin, “Touch me and see what happens,” before pulling out the knife.
Justice or self-defense?
Online, the story has sparked intense debate. Some believe Karmelo was bullied and acted in fear. His supporters, including family members, say he’s a “4.0 student, a football team captain,” and not someone who looked for trouble.
“He fought for his life,” one supporter wrote on Facebook. “The real bully is gone, but Karmelo is paying the price.”
But many others disagree. “You don’t bury a dagger into someone’s chest in broad daylight in front of hundreds and be a good person,” one person commented.
“Why did he have a weapon in the first place?” another asked. “Nobody needed to die!”
Legal consequences and what comes next
Karmelo Anthony has been charged with first-degree murder, and his bond has been set at $1 million. Investigators are still reviewing eyewitness statements and evidence, and a court trial will determine whether his actions qualify as self-defense under Texas law.
Meanwhile, Austin’s family is left with memories and grief — especially his twin, who not only witnessed the tragedy but tried to save his brother’s life.
how did it come to this?
This tragic case highlights more than just a fatal argument — it brings attention to growing concerns around youth violence, mental health, and how schools handle student conflicts.
Was Karmelo acting out of fear or rage? Should students be bringing knives to school events? And how can schools better protect their students before disagreements spiral out of control?
As communities search for answers, one thing is certain: a young life was lost, and many others are forever changed.
What are your thoughts on this tragic incident? Do you believe this was self-defense or something more? Share your views and let the conversation begin.
