A grand jury has indicted 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony on a charge of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet earlier this spring, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced this week.
The shocking incident, which unfolded in front of student-athletes and spectators at a Frisco school event, sent shockwaves throughout the local community and beyond. Now, months later, Anthony is formally facing the most serious criminal charge under Texas law and, if convicted, could spend the rest of his life in prison.
“Our community was shaken by what happened at a school track meet in Frisco — the violent loss of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf,” Willis said during a press conference. “Today, I summarized the evidence and asked the grand jury to return a first-degree murder indictment against Karmelo Anthony, which they did.”
Anthony will be tried as an adult.
The case now moves into the court system, with scheduling left to the discretion of the presiding judge. Willis emphasized that prosecutors will be fully prepared when the trial begins.
“We’re mindful of Austin’s family and everyone who loved him,” Willis added. “Please keep them in your thoughts — and if you’re willing — your prayers as well.”
Officials have not released further details about what led to the fatal altercation. Metcalf, also 17, was reportedly stabbed during the track event, later dying from his injuries despite emergency medical intervention. Authorities had been investigating the case for several weeks before formally presenting it to the grand jury.
The indictment has reignited community conversations around safety at school events and the juvenile justice system, particularly as Texas law allows for 17-year-olds to be charged and tried as adults in certain violent crimes.
District Attorney Willis closed his statement with a reminder about due process:
“Let’s remember that the justice system works best when it moves with steadiness and principle. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”
The community continues to mourn the loss of Austin Metcalf, whose death has left a void in the lives of his family, friends, and teammates. Local leaders and school officials have yet to comment publicly on any changes to school safety policies in response to the incident.
This is a developing story. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Collin County District Attorney’s Office.
