In a dramatic turn of events during a Saturday session, a witness directly challenged Karmelo Anthony’s assertion of self-defense, suggesting that Anthony himself instigated the confrontation with Austin Metcalf that ended fatally.
According to testimony presented in a Collin County, Texas courtroom, Anthony is accused of provoking Metcalf during their deadly encounter in April 2025 at David Kuykendall Stadium, as recounted by a 17-year-old student witness.
The witness, a student at Frisco Memorial High School and a peer of Metcalf, testified that he had an unobstructed view of the stabbing incident from the bleachers, as he was questioned by the prosecutor.
Despite Anthony’s narrative that he brandished a weapon in self-defense against an alleged attack by Metcalf and his brother, Hunter, the witness claimed he observed no one threateningly surrounding Anthony.
“That’s lethal force against non-lethal,” the witness remarked, asserting that Anthony, 19, had not acted in self-defense, according to a report by CBS.
The testimony further suggested that Anthony, a student at Frisco Centennial High School, had resisted leaving the tent belonging to the rival team, adding another layer to the unfolding courtroom drama.
He was horrified when he saw Metcalf suddenly covered in blood, collapsing to the ground – a sight which sent him and other students fleeing in terror, the witness said.
“You don’t expect someone to get stabbed at a track meet,” he replied when asked if he was surprised by the unprompted act of violence.
The witness emphasized that his track team’s competition was supposed to have been on the other side of the stadium at the time of the fatal stabbing.
Defense attorney Toby Shook grilled the young witness about his written statement to authorities.
“Do you remember in your written statement saying Austin put his hand on [Anthony’s] shoulder to intimidate?” Shook asked.
“Yes,” the student replied, per CBS. “More of a warning. Actions speak louder than words.”
A second witness echoed the belief that Anthony was the aggressor.
Anthony “tried to provoke us” when he was told to leave the tent, the 15-year-old witness claimed, adding Anthony got “irritated.”
“He committed murder,” the 15-year-old student asserted.
Testimony in the expected two-week trial kicked off Thursday after a jury of 18, including six alternates and no black panelists, was selected.
Despite backlash from Anthony’s supporters, Judge John Roach Jr. determined the decision to rule out the three black prospective jurors had nothing to do with race, but with the fact that they were all educators.
Over the course of the trial, prosecutors expect to call 35 witnesses to the stand.
If convicted, Anthony, who has been out on bond since the stabbing, faces life behind bars.
