Overview
- A Collin County jury found Karmelo Anthony guilty of first‑degree murder and sentenced him to 35 years in prison after deliberating for roughly two to three hours on Tuesday.
- Prosecutors showed testimony and medical‑examiner evidence that Austin Metcalf died from a single chest stab that punctured his heart, and witnesses said Anthony pulled a folding multi‑tool knife after being told to leave a team tent.
- The jury rejected Anthony’s claim of self‑defense and did not convict on a lesser manslaughter theory despite the defense arguing he had been physically confronted.
- Anthony filed a one‑page notice of appeal asking the court to appoint appellate counsel and was transferred to the Wallace Pack Unit to begin his sentence, while his pretrial GiveSendGo fundraiser was closed.
- The verdict has generated intense public reaction over race and jury composition, produced threats and harassment directed at the Metcalf family and jurors, and prompted a court gag order and safety measures to protect those involved.