Texas Teen Accused of Fatally Stabbing Austin Metcalf to Be Tried as an Adult

A Texas teenager accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet will be tried as an adult, facing first-degree murder charges in a case that has drawn national scrutiny and ignited debate over juvenile justice.

The accused, Karmelo Anthony, 17, was indicted by a grand jury and is now being prosecuted in adult court. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. Due to his age, he is not eligible for the death penalty or life without parole, but the decision to try him as an adult reflects the severity of the crime and its impact on the community.

The incident occurred on April 2 during a track event in North Texas. According to police and witness reports, the altercation began when Metcalf asked Anthony to move from an area designated for Metcalf’s team. Moments later, Anthony allegedly stabbed Metcalf in the chest. He later admitted to police, “I did it,” according to court documents.

Following his arrest, Anthony was initially held on a $1 million bond. A judge later reduced the amount to $250,000, citing his lack of prior criminal history. Under the terms of his release, Anthony is under house arrest with GPS monitoring and strict supervision.

The case has sparked heated reactions from both sides of the community. Metcalf’s family has voiced outrage over Anthony’s ability to participate in graduation ceremonies while awaiting trial, calling it a slap in the face to their grieving family. Meanwhile, Anthony’s supporters have raised more than $150,000 for his legal defense, framing the case in the context of racial tensions and self-defense.

Local officials have stood by the decision to move forward with the adult prosecution. Prosecutors argue that the nature of the crime—committed during a school-sanctioned event and involving a deadly weapon—demands full accountability. The school district has come under fire for its handling of the aftermath, particularly its decision to allow Anthony to continue academic activities.

As pre-trial proceedings unfold, the case raises complex questions about how the justice system treats teenage offenders, the limits of self-defense claims, and how schools should respond to acts of violence among students. The trial will likely become a focal point in the national conversation about youth crime, accountability, and justice for victims.