Nationwide — A case drawing nationwide consideration typically being known as the “Karmelo Stabbing” case, 17-year-old African American teen Karmelo Anthony is going through homicide fees after the deadly stabbing of 17-year-old white teen Austin Metcalf throughout a highschool observe meet in Frisco, Texas. Anthony, who stays within the Collin County Jail, is claiming self-defense and has secured authorized illustration to argue that he acted solely to guard himself in a tense and rapidly escalating confrontation.
In line with WFAA, the lethal incident occurred Wednesday morning at Kuykendall Stadium, the place a district observe meet was underway. Witnesses say tensions flared when Metcalf, a scholar at Memorial Excessive College, informed Anthony, a Centennial Excessive College scholar, to depart from beneath a pop-up tent reserved for Memorial athletes. Anthony allegedly responded with a warning—“contact me and see what occurs”—earlier than Metcalf pushed him, at which level Anthony reportedly pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed him within the chest. Metcalf later died within the arms of his twin brother.
Anthony’s protection legal professional, Deric Walpole, who was employed Friday, says the teenager maintains that he acted in self-defense. “I do know that my consumer stated it was self-defense. I don’t have any purpose to disbelieve that,” Walpole stated, although he emphasised the necessity to examine additional earlier than drawing last conclusions. He has additionally requested a listening to to decrease Anthony’s $1 million bond.
In line with police reviews, roughly 40 scholar athletes and a number of other coaches witnessed the altercation. One grownup helped officers find the blood-stained knife used within the stabbing. Anthony allegedly informed officers as he was taken into custody, “I used to be defending myself,” and later requested if the stabbing might be thought of self-defense and whether or not Metcalf would survive.
The Metcalf household is now making ready for an unimaginable loss. Austin’s mom, Meghan, and his twin brother, Hunter, launched a press release expressing gratitude for the neighborhood’s help and their give attention to honoring Austin’s life. The teenager is remembered as a shiny scholar and a promising athlete with potential scholarship presents.
As Anthony’s authorized crew prepares to argue for leniency based mostly on his self-defense declare, the case has ignited emotional conversations about race, violence, and justice. A Black teen claiming he acted in concern now sits in jail, whereas a white household mourns a devastating loss. The courtroom will now determine whether or not the legislation sees this as homicide—or a tragic act of self-preservation.
In the meantime a GoFundMe page for Austin Metcalf has already raised $100,000 for his household.