The attorney representing 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony had strong words this week following his client’s indictment on a first-degree murder charge in a case that has shaken the Frisco, Texas community.
Anthony, a local high school student, was arrested earlier this year after allegedly stabbing and killing another 17-year-old, Austin Metcalf, during an altercation at a high school track meet. According to police, Anthony admitted to the stabbing but claimed it was in self-defense.
On Tuesday, a Collin County grand jury indicted Anthony on the murder charge, meaning he now faces between 5 years to life in prison if convicted. In Texas, 17-year-olds are tried as adults in criminal court.
District Attorney Greg Willis acknowledged the gravity of the case in a public statement.
“This case has struck a deep nerve here in Collin County and beyond,” Willis said. “When something like this happens at a school event, it shakes people to the core. But the justice system works best when it proceeds with steadiness and principle — and that’s what we’re committed to.”
Anthony’s attorney, Mike Howard, pushed back on the indictment, arguing that the grand jury did not hear all the facts.
“It’s only at trial that a jury will hear the full story — including critical facts and context the grand jury didn’t have access to,” Howard said. “We believe that once all the evidence is presented, it will be clear that there is reasonable doubt, and that Karmelo Anthony may have acted in self-defense.”
Details of the incident were laid out in the arrest report. The stabbing reportedly took place under the Memorial High School team tent in the stadium bleachers. Witnesses told police the confrontation began when Metcalf asked Anthony to move from under the tent.
One witness claimed Anthony responded by reaching into his bag and saying, “Touch me and see what happens.” According to that same witness, Metcalf then grabbed Anthony, who allegedly pulled out a black knife and stabbed him in the chest before fleeing the scene.
Anthony was later taken into custody, and his mugshot was released by Frisco Police.
A trial date has not yet been scheduled.
