More than two months after a high school student died at a Texas track meet, a grand jury indicted the suspected killer on first-degree murder charges. Karmelo Anthony allegedly stabbed and killed Austin Metcalf at Frisco Independent School Districtâs Kuykendall Stadium on April 2, 2025. Austinâs identical twin, Hunter Metcalf, held his brother as he passed away. Now Antonyâs fate lies in the hands of the justice system.
According to a video statement from Collin Count District Attorney Greg Willis, prosecutors presented evidence to the grand jury in the hopes of convincing jurors to return a first-degree murder indictment. Willis and his team were ultimately successful.
âWith that indictment, the case now moves formally into the court system. From this point forward, weâll continue doing our part â fully and fairly â to pursue justice under the law. The trial schedule will be set by the court. But when the time comes, weâll be ready,â Willis shared. âWe know this case has struck a deep nerve â here in Collin County and beyond. Thatâs understandable. When something like this happens at a school event, it shakes people to the core.â
Willis also asserted that while many wanted a immediate answers in the case, thatâs not how things work.
âBut the justice system works best when it moves with steadiness and with principle. Thatâs what weâre committed to. And thatâs exactly what this case deserves,â he added. âWeâre also mindful of Austinâs family, and everyone who loved him. Please keep them in your thoughts â and, if youâre willing, in your prayers as well.â
Following Austin Metcalfâs death, the Anthony family famously launched a crowdfunding site to raise money for ongoing legal expenses. Theyâve raised nearly $1.4 million so far. But many publicly criticize the family.
On June 25, Anthony, now 18, reportedly filed paperwork in Collin County claiming indigency and requesting a court-appointed lawyer.
âAccording to a source, their current known attorney, Mike Howard, is more than likely charging a retainer fee of $10,000â$30,000 and charges $400â$500 per hour,â Sarah Fields asked on X. âWhere did the money go? Why do they need $1.4 million? Will they be granted indigence and an appointed attorney with a GiveSendGo of this magnitude? Is this considered fraud?â
Subsequently, on June 25, the Anthony family posted an update to their GiveSendGo campaign explaining the allocation of funds. The family intends to use the money to relocate, for transportation to and from court, counseling services, enhanced security, and a legal team.
âWe are not here to try this case on social media,â a post on the site reads. “We are not interested in online arguments or judgment from those who do not know the full story. Karmelo will defend himself in a court of law â not in the court of public opinion. While legal expenses are a significant part of this fund, they are only one part. Our family â a loving, God-fearing family â is simply seeking safety, justice, and peace in these trying times.â
If convicted, Karmelo Anthony could be sentenced to life in prison.
