Prosecutor tells jury that the killing of a teen at a Texas track meet was murder and not self-defense
There was a 17 year old boy was fatally stabbed There was a “sneaky, surprise attack” by a competitor at a high school track meet in Texas, a prosecutor told jurors Thursday as trial opened in a case that stunned an affluent Dallas suburb where the duo went to school.
Dozens of people lined up to be seated in the Collin County courtroom. Last year’s death quickly gained wider attention, in part because of social media posts that amplified the case in racial terms. The defendant, Karmelo Anthony, who is now 19 years old, is black, and the victim is Austin Metcalfit was white.
According to the arrest report, Anthony told police he was defending himself when the two got into a confrontation during a track meet in Frisco, a developing city in the northern suburbs of Dallas.
But prosecutor Bill Wirskye told jurors it was a “senseless murder” and not a case of self-defense.
A courtroom rendering shows Karmelo Anthony, center, at the defense table on June 4, 2026, in McKinney, Texas. (Pat Lopez via AP) – Tony Gutierrez/AP
“He didn’t want a fight,” Wirskye said of Metcalf.
The jury was seated under increased security at the Collin County courthouse this week and a judge imposed strict rules on the trial, including banning attorneys from discussing the case publicly.
The stabbing occurred on a rainy morning in April 2025. Witnesses told police the confrontation began with Anthony sitting under a tent belonging to Metcalf’s crew, according to the arrest report. The young people attended different high schools in Frisco.
When Metcalf told Anthony he needed to move, Anthony reached into his purse and allegedly responded: “Touch me and see what happens.”
Defense attorney Mike Howard said in his opening statement that Metcalf made the initial contact.
“In that moment, Melo has a decision to make: how and when to act. Defending yourself won’t work if you wait too late to defend yourself. … He reacts in a moment of fear and chaos,” Howard said.
Metcalf was stabbed in the chest. Anthony faces life in prison if convicted of murder.
Forensic video analyst Mark Porter guided the judges through videos recorded at the runway meet, including some enlarged footage. He said about 15 minutes passed between Metcalf entering the stadium and Anthony’s arrest.
Parents of both teens said they were good students who planned to attend college. Metcalf’s father condemned those who hijacked the youth’s race after the murder.
Supporters of Karmelo Anthony demonstrate outside the Collin County courthouse on Thursday, June 4, 2026 in McKinney, Texas. -Tony Gutierrez/AP
“This was not a racial issue. This is not a political issue. If you don’t know what it is, please don’t comment,” Jeff Metcalf said on Fox News’ “America Reports.”
“This is a people issue,” he said. “This person made a poor choice and it has affected his family and my family forever.”
Authorities also issued warnings about online discussions about the murder. Frisco Police Chief David Shilson urged people to be wary of posts that spread “misinformation, hate, fear and divisiveness.”
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