Karmelo Anthony has been indicated by a grand jury on a murder charge after being accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf, 17, at a high school track meet in suburban Dallas. Anthony was 17 at the time of the incident and has already turned 18.
According to Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis, the April 2 stabbing at the Frisco school stadium “struck a deep nerve—here in Collin County and beyond,” as reported by the Associated Press.
“When something like this happens at a school event, it shakes people to the core,” Willis said. “But the justice system works best when it moves with steadiness and with principle. That’s what we’re committed to. And that’s exactly what this case deserves.”
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“For weeks, my team has been presenting evidence to the grand jury. Today, I summarized that evidence, and I asked the Grand Jury to return a first degree murder indictment against Karmelo Anthony—which they did,” the district attorney added.
He continued, “We’re also mindful of Austin’s family, and everyone who loved him. Please keep them in your thoughts — and, if you’re willing, in your prayers as well.”
According to Willis, a criminal is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Anthony was released after posting $250,000 bail.
At the time of the attack, students from multiple Frisco Independent School District high schools were participating in a competition. As per the police report, a witness stated that Anthony sat beneath Metcalf’s team’s tent. When Metcalf instructed Anthony to relocate, Anthony responded, “Touch me and see what happens.”
The arrest report indicated that after Metcalf touched Anthony, Anthony told him to strike him and see what happened. Metcalf grabbed Anthony shortly afterward, and Anthony stabbed him with a knife, according to the report.
Anthony later informed an officer that Metcalf had “put his hands on me” and that he was defending himself, the police report said.
Mike Howard, Anthony’s lawyer, said Anthony was excited for his court appearance.
“We expect that when the full story is heard, the prosecution will not be able to rule out the reasonable doubt that Karmelo Anthony may have acted in self-defense,” Howard said.
Anthony may face life in prison if found guilty.
