Austin Metcalf’s father opens up about son’s murder, Karmelo Anthony conviction
Jeff Metcalf, the father of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, is speaking out about newly released evidence in his son’s killing and the outcome of the trial. Metcalf said he believes parts of the media turned Austin’s death into a political and racial debate, arguing that the focus should remain on character, accountability and the life that was taken. He also reflected on his family’s long road toward healing, including the deep and lasting toll on Austin’s twin brother.
“I had never seen those pictures, and I never want to see those pictures. I saw one, and it was, that was enough,” Jeff Metcalf said.
Austin Metcalf was 17 when he was killed by Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted earlier this month in connection with the teenager’s death.
The stabbing occurred during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. After a closely watched trial that ended with Anthony’s conviction and a 35-year prison sentence, he is now seeking to appeal the ruling.
Authorities photographed a folding pocketknife with a dark blade and gray handle that was used in the killing of Austin Metcalf in Texas. (Collin County Courts)
At the same time, the Metcalf family is trying to process the public release of graphic audio and images made available by Collin County Courts, material they say has been deeply painful to confront.
Austin Metcalf, 17, was fatally stabbed at a track meet in Texas. (Jeff Metcalf)
Asked by News Agency whether he believed it was necessary for the public to see the extent of his son’s injuries, Metcalf said, “We actually were escorted out of the courtroom during that part of the testimony.”
JEFF METCALF SPEAKS OUT ABOUT LOSING SON AUSTIN AND HOW HIS FAMILY IS MOVING FORWARD
Karmelo Anthony is photographed handcuffed inside a police vehicle with blood visible on his left-hand finger. (Collin County Courts)
At the same time, he said he understands it’s publicly accessible.
“Do I think it’s morally correct to show that? No, because, really, the wound has nothing to do with the case,” he said.
A family photo of Jeff Metcalf with his sons Austin and Hunter Metcalf is displayed at their home in Frisco, Texas, on June 17, 2026. Austin Metcalf, 17, was murdered at a high school track meet last year. (Matthew Symons for News Agency)
READ MORE: Grandparents of Missing Boy Gus Speak Out: 'Tensions'
Court records reveal the fatal chest wound measured two inches in length.
“It’s not a puncture wound. It’s a stab, and a twist, and a pull,” Metcalf said.
Bodycam video released by Collin County Court in Texas shows Karmelo Anthony being placed in handcuffs moments after the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf. (Collin County Courts)
Throughout his trial, Anthony’s defense argued the killer acted in self-defense. Weeks after his sentencing, News Agency has learned a team of civil defense attorneys has joined his fight to appeal his conviction and sentencing.
Austin Metcalf was murdered under a track tent when convicted killer Karmelo Anthony stabbed him at a Frisco, Texas high school track meet. (Collin County Courts)
“There was no fight; there [were] no punches. He wasn’t jumped. He didn’t try to escape from a gang of people that surrounded him. The only time that people stood up was when after Austin was stabbed, because they realized it happened so fast,” Metcalf said about the altercation between his son and Anthony under the track meet tent.
Austin Metcalf was 17 years old when he was stabbed and killed at a Frisco, Texas high school track meet. (Collin County Courts)
Anthony’s court records reveal a “motion to substitute counsel” was filed Monday. Until then, he was being represented by court-appointed attorney Lara Bracamonte Davila in his appeal.
News Agency confirmed veteran criminal defense attorney Russell Wilson II will be joining the fight to appeal.
Karmelo Anthony is pictured after being transferred to the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and transported to the Pack Unit near Navasota, Texas. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice)
Also joining the team is Gary Bledsoe, who is the president of the Texas NAACP; Michael L. Ware; Brooke Cluse, who works for Ben Crump Law; Sean Dardia; and Justin A. Moore, according to CBS Texas. The team is reportedly working pro bono.
News Agency has reached out to the Stand with Karmelo Coalition for comment.
📩 Send me a story idea: kelsie.cairns@fox.com
🎥 Facebook: Kelsie Cairns
