April 10, 2025

On the morning of April 2, 2025, a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, turned tragic when a confrontation between two 17-year-old students ended in a fatal stabbing. The incident, which occurred at David Kuykendall Stadium during the District 11-5A championship track meet, claimed the life of Austin Metcalf, a junior at Frisco Memorial High School, and left a community grappling with grief and questions. The suspect, Karmelo Anthony, a student at Frisco Centennial High School, has been charged with first-degree murder. Here are the facts of this heartbreaking event, drawn from official reports and statements, as we seek to honor the truth and the lives affected.

The track meet began as a celebration of athleticism, with over 100 students from eight Frisco Independent School District (ISD) schools competing. Around 10 a.m., an altercation broke out in the bleachers under the Memorial High School team’s tent, where athletes were taking shelter from the rain. According to a Frisco Police Department arrest report cited by NBC DFW, a witness stated that Austin Metcalf asked Karmelo Anthony to move from under the tent, as Anthony was not part of the Memorial team. The witness reported that Anthony reached into his bag, saying, “Touch me and see what happens.” After a back-and-forth, Austin touched Anthony, who then allegedly told him to “punch him and see what happens.” Moments later, Austin grabbed Anthony to move him, and Anthony pulled out a black knife, stabbing Austin once in the chest before running away. The knife was later found in the bleachers.

Frisco police and emergency responders arrived quickly, attempting lifesaving measures, including CPR and blood administration, but Austin succumbed to his injuries. His twin brother, Hunter Metcalf, was nearby during the incident and tried to stop the bleeding, holding Austin until first responders arrived. “I tried to whip around as fast as I could, but I didn’t see the stab,” Hunter told WFAA. “It was really senseless. I don’t know why a person would do that to someone, just over that little argument.”

Karmelo Anthony was arrested shortly after the incident. According to the arrest report, he admitted to the stabbing, telling an officer, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” and claiming he was “protecting himself.” He also asked if the act could be considered self-defense. Anthony, charged with first-degree murder, is being held in Collin County Jail on a $1 million bond, per FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth. If convicted, he faces 5 to 99 years in prison. His family, through the civil rights group Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), expressed sadness over Austin’s death in a statement on April 8, asking the public to “refrain from rushing to judgment” and seeking patience for the legal process. NGAN also raised concerns about racially motivated threats against Anthony’s family following the incident, meeting with Frisco police on April 8 to discuss the investigation and misinformation circulating online.

Austin Metcalf was a beloved student-athlete at Memorial High School, a linebacker on the football team, a member of the track team, and a National Honor Society student with a 4.0 GPA. His mother, Meghan Metcalf, described him as “the most amazing kid,” with ambitions to play college football. “He just had such a drive that it’s hard to find in a kid,” she told WFAA, noting that college recruiters had already taken notice of his talent. Austin’s father, Jeff Metcalf, shared that the family had gone hunting the weekend before, where Austin achieved a personal milestone by getting his first hog. “I already forgive this person,” Jeff told NBC DFW, reflecting on his faith. “God takes care of things.” A GoFundMe started by the family has raised over $275,000 for funeral costs and Hunter’s counseling and education.

The Frisco community has been shaken by the loss. Frisco ISD immediately secured the stadium after the stabbing, suspended the meet, and returned students to their home campuses, per The Dallas Morning News. Memorial High School paused on April 3 during second period to remember Austin, with counselors made available to support students. The track meet resumed on April 7 at Little Elm High School with increased security measures. Frisco Police Chief David Shilson called the incident a “senseless act of violence,” urging parents to discuss conflict resolution with their children and warning against misinformation online. “The disinformation that is going online is hurting this case, and it has to stop,” Shilson stated, noting that police have interviewed over 75 people and collected video evidence as part of the ongoing investigation, per ABC News.

This tragedy highlights the fragility of life and the devastating impact of violence. For the Metcalf family, it’s a loss that will forever change their lives. For the Anthony family, it’s a moment that has thrust them into a complex legal and social battle. As the investigation continues, the Frisco community mourns, seeking answers and healing in the wake of an unimaginable loss.


Sources

This article is based on firsthand accounts and official reports from the following sources:


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