Overview
- A Collin County jury found Karmelo Anthony guilty of first‑degree murder for the April 2, 2025, stabbing of 17‑year‑old Austin Metcalf, and outlets report the jury imposed a 35‑year term.
- The jury reached its verdict after roughly three hours of deliberation following four days of testimony that included about 21 witnesses, surveillance and body‑cam footage, and medical testimony about a chest wound that pierced the heart.
- Prosecutors argued the attack was an unjustified, hidden‑knife 'sneak attack' after Anthony provoked a confrontation, while the defense maintained he acted in a split second of self‑defense after being pushed.
- Courtroom protections remain in place, including a gag order and device ban, and civil‑rights groups have raised concerns about the lack of Black jurors even though prosecutors and the victim’s family have said race was not a factor in the killing.
- Because Anthony was 17 at the time he was tried as an adult and cannot face the death penalty; under Texas law a first‑degree murder sentence ranges from five to 99 years or life, and the conviction now moves to formal sentencing entries, confinement placement and anticipated appeals.