A Texas family is grieving the loss of Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old student who tragically lost his life after being fatally stabbed during a track meet in Frisco. This heartbreaking incident occurred following a dispute over seating arrangements.
Austin Metcalf was attacked in the heart on Wednesday at Kuykendall Stadium while he was at a championship track and field event. According to police reports, Metcalf became involved in an altercation with another 17-year-old, Karmelo Anthony, who had taken a seat under a tent meant for Memorial High School.
Metcalf, a junior and standout football player at Memorial, was engaged in a conflict with Anthony, a student at Centennial High School. An affidavit indicated that the altercation escalated when Anthony reached into his bag after being told he was in the wrong area.
A witness recounted hearing Anthony threaten, “Touch me and see what happens.” After this, the situation intensified when Metcalf touched Anthony, who then provoked Metcalf to strike him. In a sudden turn, Anthony pulled out a black knife from his bag and stabbed Metcalf in the chest before fleeing the scene, as per the witness’s account.
Another witness corroborated this version of events in the affidavit.
When confronted by officers, Anthony claimed he was acting in self-defense, stating that Metcalf had put his hand on him. When identified as the suspect, Anthony openly admitted, “I did it.”
Metcalf’s identical twin brother, Hunter, witnessed the horrific stabbing and desperately tried to save him.
In an emotional statement, their father, Jeff Metcalf, shared with The New York Post, “His brother was holding on to him, trying to stop the bleeding, and he died in his brother’s arms.” Jeff rushed Austin to the hospital, where he realized the severity of the situation. “I could see all the blood and the wound. We prayed, and it’s God’s plan. I don’t understand it, but they weren’t able to save him. This is murder,” he lamented.
Austin Metcalf excelled academically, boasting a 4.0 GPA, and was awarded “Most Valuable Player” on his football team. He had aspirations to play college football and had garnered interest from multiple schools.
“He was a bright young man with a promising future ahead of him,” Jeff Metcalf reflected. “His leadership and infectious smile will always be remembered. His passion for football was remarkable, and he touched many lives.”
Karmelo Anthony also played football and had received offers from Division III colleges. His father defended him by stating, “He was not the aggressor. He didn’t instigate the fight. There have been many assumptions about my son, but he is not what they portray him to be.”
He added, “I sympathize with the other family. Words can’t express how both families are affected by this tragedy.”
Despite the immense pain, Jeff Metcalf expressed a message of forgiveness: “You know what, I already forgive this person. Already. God will take care of things. He will take care of me and my family.”
Authorities have arrested Karmelo Anthony, who is currently held at the Collin County Jail facing a first-degree murder charge with a bail set at $1 million.
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[Feature Photo: Austin Metcalf/Memorial High School]
