The defense rested Monday in the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, closing its case after days of emotional testimony that included 911 calls, videos and graphic photos of the victim, according to court proceedings at the Collin County Courthouse.
Background
Anthony, now 19, has claimed self-defense in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, who was 17 when he died on April 2, 2025. The confrontation occurred during a rainy track meet at David Kuykendall Stadium, an athletic facility serving Frisco's school district. Anthony, a student athlete at Centennial High School in Frisco, had sought shelter from the rain under a tent belonging to Memorial High School, where Metcalf was a student and athlete.
Both young men were described as high-achieving students with high grade-point averages who excelled in athletics. Prosecutors called witnesses including classmates and teammates of Metcalf who recounted conflicting accounts of what led to the stabbing. While most prosecution witnesses said Anthony was the aggressor, their testimony contained inconsistencies regarding whether Metcalf delivered a two-handed push, one-handed jab or merely a tap before being stabbed.
The defense has focused on those inconsistencies, particularly regarding witness descriptions of physical contact between the two teenagers. Defense attorney Mike Howard highlighted discrepancies in statements about pushing and swinging motions during cross-examination of witnesses.
The Charges
Anthony is charged with murder, which carries a penalty of five years to life in prison under Texas law. Although he was 17 at the time of the incident, Texas prosecutes 17-year-olds as adults. State District Judge John Roach Jr. has presided over the proceedings and ordered jurors sequestered beginning Tuesday, restricting access to television, phones and contact with the outside world except through an emergency number.
Prosecutors have emphasized that Anthony could have sought shelter under bleachers or remained with his teammates when rain interrupted the track meet. State prosecutor Bill Wirskye questioned witnesses about instructions given by coaches to leave the facility during inclement weather, asking: "Someone asks you to leave, you leave, right?"
Race has loomed over the case despite attempts by attorneys to minimize its relevance. Anthony is Black and Metcalf was white. No Black jurors were selected for the trial, and protests have occurred outside the courthouse while social media discussion about racial dynamics in the case has proliferated.
Key Takeaways
- Austin Metcalf, 17, died from stab wounds on April 2, 2025, at David Kuykendall Stadium following a dispute over Anthony sitting under Memorial High School's tent during rain
- Karmelo Anthony claims self-defense and is charged with murder carrying a potential sentence of five years to life in prison
- Witnesses provided conflicting testimony about whether Metcalf pushed, jabbed or tapped Anthony before the stabbing occurred
- The defense focused on inconsistencies in witness accounts regarding physical contact between the two teenagers
- Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday morning followed by jury deliberations
What's Next
Closing arguments will begin Tuesday morning before State District Judge John Roach Jr. delivers instructions to the jury. Jurors have been ordered sequestered at a hotel with no access to television, phones or external communication, only permitted contact through an emergency family line. The judge has warned jurors against researching the case online or discussing it outside deliberations.
The trial has drawn significant attention due to its setting at a high school athletic event and the competing narratives surrounding self-defense versus premeditated aggression. The verdict will determine whether Anthony faces prison time for murder or is acquitted based on his claim that he acted in response to being touched without consent.