Karmelo Anthony Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Texas Student Murder

Karmelo Anthony, 19, was sentenced to 35 years in prison on June 9, 2026, for the murder of fellow student Austin Metcalf in Frisco, Texas.

Karmelo Anthony Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Texas Student Murder
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Karmelo Anthony, 19, was sentenced to 35 years in prison on June 9, 2026, for the murder of fellow student Austin Metcalf in Frisco, Texas. (Photo: AI Generated Image)

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Karmelo Anthony, a 19-year-old, received a 35-year prison sentence on June 9, 2026.

This verdict followed his guilty verdict for the murder of Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old student, in an incident that occurred in Frisco, Texas, and sparked national debate.

The tragic murder happened on April 2, 2025, at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, during a Frisco ISD athletic meet.

Anthony, then 17 and a Centennial High School student, became involved in a conflict with Metcalf from Memorial High School.

The incident began when Anthony sought shelter from the rain under the Memorial High School team tent, as Centennial High School did not have a tent available that day.

Austin Metcalf and his twin brother, Hunter Metcalf, then approached Anthony and asked him to leave the area.

Verdict, Sentencing, and Implications

Prosecutors argued at trial that Anthony intentionally stabbed Metcalf and provoked the encounter.

After hearing testimony from dozens of witnesses, including students, investigators, and medical experts, the Collin County jury took only about three hours to reach a guilty verdict.

On June 9, 2026, Karmelo Anthony was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Sentences for felony murder in Texas range from five to 99 years, or even life in prison.

Anthony's mother, Kayla Hayes, testified during the sentencing phase, pleading with the jury for mercy.

The case also sparked a national debate about self-defense, race, and school safety, given that Anthony was Black and Metcalf was white.

However, both prosecutors and defense attorneys asserted that race played no role in the case.

Chronology of the Incident and Arrest

According to testimony presented at trial, Anthony made threats, stating, "Touch me and see what happens," as he reached into his backpack.

Metcalf then pushed Anthony.

Anthony then pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest.

Metcalf was rushed to the hospital, but he died of his injuries shortly after arrival.

Anthony surrendered to authorities shortly after the stabbing and was charged with first-degree murder.

Legal Proceedings and Defense

Because he was 17 at the time of the incident, Karmelo Anthony was tried as an adult under Texas law.

His bail was initially set at $1 million, but was later reduced to $250,000.

Anthony was released on bail on April 14, 2025.

The trial took place in Collin County, Texas, and attracted national attention.

Anthony's attorney argued that his client acted in self-defense, claiming that Metcalf had pushed him first.

However, the jury rejected the self-defense claim, as well as the manslaughter charge.