The father of slain teen athlete Austin Metcalf has broken his silence after 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony was formally indicted for murder in connection with his son’s death.
Anthony, now 18, is accused of fatally stabbing Metcalf during a heated altercation over a seat at a Texas track meet in April. A grand jury handed down a first-degree murder indictment on Tuesday, officially moving the case toward trial.
“With the first-degree murder indictment, it now goes into the court system,” said Austin’s father, Jeff Metcalf, in a statement to NewsNation.
“I fully believe that justice will be served for Austin. I look forward to the forthcoming trial. But it will never bring my son back.”
Metcalf, 17, died in the stands of David Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, after he was allegedly stabbed by Anthony. He collapsed in the arms of his twin brother, Hunter, who desperately tried to save him.
CHARGES AND LEGAL PROCESS
Under Texas law, Anthony is being tried as an adult. If convicted, he faces between 5 to 99 years—or life—in prison, and up to a $10,000 fine. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.
Anthony’s father, Drew, also reacted publicly to the indictment.
“This is a moment we hoped we would never face, yet one we’ve been preparing for throughout these long and painful months,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
Following the incident, Anthony reportedly admitted to the stabbing during police questioning, saying:
“He put his hands on me. I told him not to.”
He has since claimed he acted in self-defense, a claim his legal team continues to push. Police observed blood on his left middle finger at the time of his arrest.
A BROTHER’S GRIEF
In a powerful and emotional interview, Hunter Metcalf recalled the devastating moment his brother died in his arms.
“I grabbed his head and looked in his eyes,” he said on The Will Cain Podcast.
“I just saw his soul leave, and it took my soul too.”
Hunter described Austin as the “strongest kid” he ever knew, calling the attack “senseless.”
AFTERMATH
Anthony was released from jail on April 14 after posting a $250,000 bond. His family has since faced backlash and claimed to have received threats, prompting them to invest in private security and consider relocating.
A fundraiser in support of Anthony’s family has raised over $500,000 to help cover legal expenses and moving costs. Supporters have also reportedly sent the family gifts and supplies via Amazon.
Meanwhile, Metcalf’s family continues to mourn and push for accountability.
“Justice for Austin means the truth is told, and the person responsible is held accountable,” his father said.
“No parent should ever have to bury their child—especially not like this.”
The case continues to unfold, with both families bracing for a highly emotional courtroom battle.
