A tragic incident at a Texas high school track meet has led to legal proceedings, heartfelt family tributes, and community fundraising efforts, as those involved begin to speak out.
Seventeen-year-old Karmelo Anthony told police he was responsible for the stabbing of Austin Metcalf, a student at Memorial High School, during a track event in Frisco on April 3.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by NBC 5 Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), when officers referred to him as the “alleged suspect,” Karmelo, a student at Centennial High School, replied, “I’m not alleged, I did it.”
The affidavit indicates that Karmelo claimed he acted in self-defense. He reportedly told a school resource officer, “I was protecting myself,” and “He put his hands on me.” Authorities say he also asked whether the situation could be considered self-defense and inquired about the condition of the other student.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on April 3 at Kuykendall Stadium. According to the affidavit, Karmelo had sought shelter under a pop-up tent from another school when it started to rain.
When asked to move, an altercation followed between him and Austin, also 17. A witness told police that Karmelo opened his bag, reached inside, and said, “Touch me and see what happens.” Moments later, Austin reportedly made contact with Karmelo, who then used a knife to deliver a single wound to the chest.
A school resource officer from nearby Staley Middle School was first to respond. Austin sustained a critical injury and, according to his father Jeff Metcalf, passed away in the arms of his twin brother, Hunter.
“They were twins, identical twins, and his brother was holding on to him, trying to make it stop bleeding, and he died in his brother’s arms,” Jeff recalled.
Jeff said he arrived at the scene after hearing about the incident. He described seeing Austin on a stretcher and being informed that his son was no longer breathing. He and Hunter then went together to the hospital, where doctors made every effort to save Austin’s life.
Despite those efforts, Austin could not be revived. Jeff later reflected on the loss, saying, “It’s part of God’s plan,” though he admitted not fully understanding it and referred to the event as “murder.”
Austin’s mother, Meghan, shared her heartbreak. “My son is not here anymore, and I don’t understand it,” she said. “He was the most amazing kid. So smart. He had college football guys looking at him to play in college. His goal was to play in college.”
Hunter recalled reacting immediately when the incident occurred and said he did everything he could to help his brother. Though emotional, he chose not to describe the full scene.
Austin, he said, “did everything” for their family. “As a linebacker, he was a stud, and I always tried to fill those shoes and play with him. I had a blast my whole life playing sports with him.”
Although only four minutes apart in age, Hunter said he always looked up to Austin: “He was a big brother even though we’re the same age.”
Meghan said the family is holding on to their memories of Austin. “We just want to make sure that everybody knows how much Austin is still going to be in our lives as far as our memories and our hearts forever. It’s going to be really hard,” she said.
On April 4, Meghan and Hunter released a joint statement thanking the community for its outpouring of support. They said they would allow the investigation to proceed while they focus on honoring Austin’s life and memory.
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Honoring Austin Metcalf: Help His Family Heal.” In the campaign, Jeff described Austin as a dedicated student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA and a deep passion for football.
“We will all remember him for the way he impacted others’ lives. I love you forever, son. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. God will take care of us till we meet again. RIP. Love, Dad,” Jeff wrote. As of now, the fundraiser has collected $304,914.
Memorial High School held a moment of reflection during second period the day after the incident to honor Austin, while the local community continues to offer support to the grieving family.
Karmelo is currently charged with murder and is being held at the Collin County Jail with bond set at $1 million. His attorneys, Billy Clark and Kim T. Cole, released a statement on April 7 expressing sympathy for the Metcalf family while emphasizing Karmelo’s right to due process.
“Karmelo and the entire Anthony family are sincerely saddened that a life was lost,” the statement reads. “We are committed to ensuring that Karmelo’s rights are indeed protected throughout each phase of the criminal justice system.”
The attorneys stated they intend to work with the Collin County District Attorney’s Office to request a bond reduction and a review of the charges. They reiterated that Karmelo told officers he acted in self-defense.
“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,” they added.
Following the incident, Karmelo’s family created a GiveSendGo campaign titled “Help Karmelo Official Fund.” The page describes the public narrative surrounding the incident as “false, unjust, and harmful,” and expresses gratitude to supporters for their prayers and donations. The campaign has raised $267,972 toward its $300,000 goal.
One contributor, Stephanie Crutchfield, CEO of several businesses including Cutting Edge Tax Software and Crutchfield Taxes & Financial Solutions, donated $1,000 and shared:
“Let’s get this baby home. I have a young Black son as well, and I live in Collin County. This baby was bullied and was defending himself, I know it’s more to this story. I’m praying 
for you and your family. Please let me know how else I can help.”
Under Texas law, if convicted, Karmelo could face a sentence ranging from five to 99 years in prison.
