It’s been nearly a week since a fight broke out at a Texas high school track meet, leaving one student dead and two families devastated. Prosecutors have since charged 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. The accused killer’s family released a statement on April 7, 2025, sharing their condolences with the Metcalf family and offering prayers. Now, the Anthony family is asking the public for empathy as they navigate this unfathomable situation.
Attorneys have also requested a reduction to Anthony’s “excessive” $1 million bond. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Clark Law Firm and K Cole Law released a statement on behalf of the Anthony family. It reads in part, “Karmelo and the entire Anthony family are sincerely saddened that a life was lost and offer their condolences to the family of Austin Metcalf.”
Defense attorneys Billy Clark and Kim T. Cole also noted their expectations for their client. “Karmelo like all citizens of the United States, is entitled to a fair and impartial legal process,” the statement reads. “We are committed to ensuring that Karmelo’s rights are indeed protected throughout each phase of the criminal justice system.”
Metcalf died on April 2, 2025, after being stabbed during a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in the Frisco Independent School District. Metcalf and Anthony both attended Frisco ISD high schools but were not classmates. An altercation between the students, who reportedly did not know each other, ended in an alleged murder.
FULL RELEASE from Billy Clark Law Firm and K Cole Law pic.twitter.com/I3j4ivsfCB
— Ashley Moss (@ByAshleyMoss) April 7, 2025
Jeff Metcalf told NBC News that after the stabbing, his son died in the arms of his identical twin brother. The father rushed to his side, but it was too late. “I could see all the blood, and I saw where the wound was, and I was very concerned, so I had to find his brother, and we rushed to the hospital. And we prayed, and it’s God’s plan, I don’t understand it, but they weren’t able to save him. This is murder,” the grieving father said.
A GoFundMe account for the Metcalf family has nearly met its $300,000 goal.
“He was a bright young man with a great future ahead of him. He was a leader of men. His smile would light up the room,” Jeff Metcalf wrote about his son. “His passion for football was unbelievable. Voted team MVP this past season and carried a 4.0 GPA. He was looking forward to taking his game to the next level. His commitment, dedication, leadership, and sheer grit made him rise to the level of success that he desired.”
Andrew Anthony, Karmelo Anthony’s father, told the New York Post his son was not the aggressor in the tragic incident. “Everyone has already made their assumptions about my son, but he’s not what they’re making him out to be,” he said. “He’s a good kid. He works two jobs. He’s an A student, has a 3.7 GPA.”
Similarly, a GiveSendGo fundraiser for the Anthony family has raised more than $230,000 of a $300,000 goal.
The Anthony family shared on the fundraiser, “The narrative being spread is false, unjust, and harmful. As a family of faith, we are deeply grateful for all of your support during this trying period. Your prayers and assistance mean more to us now more than ever.”
Attorneys for the defense asked the public to refrain from passing judgment. “This will certainly be a long road ahead and during this challenging time, we ask for prayers for both families and we ask for your patience and respect for the legal process as we seek the truth.”
