Austin Metcalf’s Father Backs Judge’s Tough Stance on Cameras in Karmelo Anthony Case

FRISCO, Texas — Jeff Metcalf, the father of Austin Metcalf, said he fully supports the judge’s decision to bar cameras from the courtroom during Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial.

Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court had previously said on the record that excluding cameras was necessary to help preserve a fair trial.

In an interview with News Agency, Jeff Metcalf said the ruling was especially important because several minors were called to testify. He said the students had already endured severe trauma and are still in counseling, adding that it was difficult to watch them take the stand, relive what they saw, and face intense questioning.

Austin Metcalf was stabbed in the chest during the April 2025 track meet. Anthony was later convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Metcalf, who remained under a gag order for the duration of the trial, said he now wants to meet directly with the Anthony family. He said he still has not heard from the parents of the man convicted of killing his son.

“If they would have taken accountability and showed remorse, I truthfully believe, I don’t think he would have got that many years that he received,” he said about the Anthony family.

News Agency has reached out to the Anthony family for comment.

Anthony has since filed a notice of appeal to challenge his conviction.

Metcalf has had death threats sent to him and his family, he said. Frisco Police are investigating.

In a message to people threatening his family and the Anthony family, Metcalf said, “You’re soulless, you don’t have compassion or empathy, and I mean, what are you, a sociopath?”

He went on to say, “I wish both sides would quit. It’s not needed. Both these boys, especially mine, mine’s never coming back.”

As for Anthony and his family specifically, Metcalf said, “There’s consequences for actions and he got the consequences. But there’s no need to dogpile on this other family just because he got convicted.”

While daily headlines are published about the verdict and trial, Metcalf’s home has become a shrine of all things Austin.

News Agency got an up-close look at a plethora of photos and mementos throughout Metcalf’s home. The feeling inside the house is quiet and somber.

In many of those photos, Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, is also seen.

Metcalf said his twin boys were so close they chose to share a bedroom despite plenty of other rooms in his home. They were “attached at the hip,” he said.

Hunter is probably the strongest individual I’ve ever seen in my life. To carry what he has to carry, to do what he did from the death of his brother to this day has shown absolute strength that I don’t believe I myself even carry. I couldn’t be more proud of him,” he said.

Austin was seen as the “big brother” even though the two are twins; Austin was born minutes earlier than Hunter.

“Both of them would go back to the [Staley Middle School] and talk to the incoming freshmen about what football is and what it means to play at Memorial and what it’s going to take,” Metcalf said.

Hunter completed his senior year and recently graduated without his beloved brother by his side. He accepted his brother’s posthumous diploma, Metcalf said.

The twin boys would have celebrated their 19th birthday together this July.

Jeff Metcalf is interviewed by News Agency at his home in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026.  (Matthew Symons for News Agency)

In the fall, Hunter will begin his first year of college.

Speaking about Austin and Hunter, Metcalf said “I couldn’t ask for a better son, or sons.”