19-year-old Karmelo Anthony has been found guilty of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, who was stabbed to death at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. As the sentence was read, Anthony and his family broke down in tears, moments after his mother made a desperate 4-word plea to the judge.
He was later sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted of the fatal stabbing that shocked communities across the state and left two families devastated.
Prosecutors called the attack “senseless,” arguing it was completely avoidable. “What is important is not motive. It’s mindset,” said prosecutor Bill Wirskye. “He took a knife to a track meet,” adding that Anthony had multiple chances to walk away. “The video tells the story,” he said, pointing to surveillance footage and witnesses.
The defense argued Anthony acted in self-defense during a split-second moment of fear. “Texas law does not require that you wait until you get hit,” said lawyer Mike Howard. “In that split second of chaos, you must put yourself in his shoes.”
Before sentencing, Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, pleaded for mercy, describing him as her firstborn. “Please have mercy on my son,” she said tearfully.
After less than three hours of deliberation, the jury found him guilty and imposed a 35-year sentence.
Following the verdict, Austin Metcalf’s mother described the pain of losing her son, saying her life is now filled with silence and memories. She called Austin a kind, outgoing “peacemaker” who brought people together.
“My son was murdered. He didn’t just die,” she said.
The sentence closes a long legal battle, but the grief for both families remains.