The family of 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, a high school senior and student-athlete accused of fatally stabbing a fellow track club member, has raised $245,000 through an online fundraiser. The incident took place at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, during a track meet on April 2.
According to an arrest report, the confrontation began when Austin Metcalf, also 17, asked Anthony to move from a chair positioned under another team’s pop-up tent. The dispute quickly escalated into a physical altercation. Witnesses and the report state that Anthony unzipped his bag and warned, “Touch me and see what happens.” When Metcalf grabbed him, Anthony allegedly pulled out a black knife and stabbed him once in the chest.
Metcalf’s twin brother, Hunter, witnessed the stabbing and held Austin in his arms as he bled. Despite emergency efforts, Austin was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Anthony fled the scene but was later apprehended. He reportedly told a school resource officer, “I was protecting myself,” and asked if the incident could be considered self-defense. He also inquired about the victim’s condition. He has since been charged with murder and is being held at Collin County Jail on a $1 million bond. If convicted, he could face between five and 99 years in prison.
In a statement posted to their fundraising page, Anthony’s family rejected the official narrative, calling it “false, unjust, and harmful.” Their campaign aims to raise $300,000 to support his legal defense and other associated costs.
Meanwhile, a separate fundraiser for the Metcalf family has reached $292,000. Austin Metcalf, a junior at Memorial High School, was described by loved ones as a “bright young man with a great future.” He held a 4.0 GPA, was a standout football player, and had dreams of playing in college.
“He was a leader of men,” his father, Jeff Metcalf, wrote. “His smile would light up the room. I love you forever, son.”
Despite the heartbreak, Jeff Metcalf expressed forgiveness for the accused. “I already forgive this person. God is going to take care of me. God is going to take care of my family,” he said. “I feel for [the suspect’s] family… it’s unfortunate for everyone involved.”
The University Interscholastic League released a statement expressing condolences: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place at the District 11-5A track meet on April 2… Our thoughts go out to those impacted.”
Both families remain at the center of a tragedy that has shaken the Frisco community, with legal proceedings still to come.
