At a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, 17-year-old Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed during a brief confrontation over seating. Witnesses said Karmelo Anthony, a Centennial High student, sat in a tent designated for Memorial High. When Austin asked him to leave, Karmelo allegedly warned, “Touch me and see what happens.” After contact was made, he pulled a knife and stabbed Austin in the chest. The incident lasted less than 30 seconds. Despite emergency efforts, Austin was pronounced dead at 10:53 a.m.
Karmelo fled the scene but was quickly found nearby. Officers reported he had blood on his hand. Without being questioned, he said, “I was protecting myself” and added, “I’m not alleged, I did it.” He also asked, “Is he going to be OK?” and if the stabbing could be considered self-defense.
Austin’s twin, Hunter, witnessed the stabbing and tried to save him. “I looked in his eyes. I just saw his soul leave, and it took my soul, too.” Their mother, Meagan, said, “He had such ambitions and a drive that is hard to find in a kid.”
Karmelo is charged with murder and held on $1 million bond. Legal experts doubt a self-defense claim will hold. Meanwhile, Austin’s death has sparked community grief and concern over school security. “He brought a knife to a track meet and murdered my son,” said Jeff Metcalf.