Thanks to the help of a Dallas-based advocacy group, accused killer Karmelo Anthony will receive his high school diploma. The now 18-year-old reportedly argued with Austin Metcalf, 17, during a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on April 2, 2025. The disagreement ended with Austin dying in the arms of his twin brother, Hunter Metcalf. He received a fatal stab wound that some say Anthony inflicted.
Police arrested Anthony a short time later, and prosecutors charged the high school senior with murder. A judge initially set his bond at $1 million but later reduced it to $250,000. Now, he’s out of jail wearing a GPS monitor, awaiting his fate.
According to KXAS, the Next Generation Action Network worked with the Frisco Independent School District to ensure Anthony’s graduation from high school. He maintained a 3.7 GPA and completed all necessary credits to graduate from Frisco Centennial High School, according to the organization. Anthony will not attend the graduation ceremony or other senior activities, but he will receive his high school diploma without completing the final weeks of school in person.
“We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted,” Minister Dominique Alexander, NGAN president, told KXAS. “This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right.”
According to WFFA, multiple news organizations erroneously reported that the school district would allow Anthony to walk at the graduation ceremony. The news ioutlet obtained an email outlining district policy sent to faculty, staff, and families by Superintendent Mike Waldrip:
Frisco ISD has learned that misinformation is being shared regarding Centennial High School’s graduation via several media outlets and perpetuated through social media. It is disheartening that the incredible accomplishments and achievements of our Centennial seniors may be dampened by needless fear-mongering, attention-seeking, and media vitriol. Our students, staff, and community deserve better.
I want to be clear. No student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony. Additionally, anyone who trespasses on Frisco ISD property or at a District event will be subject to immediate removal and possible arrest by law enforcement.
Frisco ISD does not condone violence or crime in our schools or at our events and will not reward or celebrate those who hurt others. We work to ensure every student is safe to learn and feels part of our culture of respect, honor, and integrity.
Let’s come together as a community to honor and support our students and staff. This moment is about their success, and they deserve our full attention and encouragement. Congratulations to the Centennial Class of 2025!
Anthony and his family remain steadfast in their assertion that the teenager acted in self-defense and they intend to fight the charges against him. They’ve raised more than $529,000 to help with legal expenses, via a GiveSendGo campaign.
