Karmelo Anthony, 18, was indicted Tuesday for first-degree murder by a Collin County grand jury in connection with the death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a Frisco ISD track meet on April 2.
The indictment is a formal charge and does not imply guilt. Anthony has maintained he acted in self-defense and is presumed innocent under the law until proven otherwise.
The incident occurred at Kuykendall Stadium during the University Interscholastic League’s District 11-5A championship. Anthony, who was 17 at the time, was arrested the same day and has remained under house arrest since his bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000 on April 14 due to financial hardship. In Texas, 17-year-olds are considered adults in the criminal justice system.
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced the indictment at a press conference.
“For weeks, my team has been presenting evidence to the grand jury. Today, I summarized that evidence, and I asked the grand jury to return a first-degree murder indictment against Karmelo Anthony — and they did,” Willis said.
“We know this case has struck a deep nerve — here in Collin County and beyond. That’s understandable. When something like this happens at a school event, it shakes people to the core. But the justice system works best when it moves with steadiness and with principle. That’s what we’re committed to. And that’s exactly what this case deserves.””
Anthony has maintained that he acted in self-defense. According to a police affidavit, he claimed Metcalf put his hands on him after being asked not to. Following his arrest, Anthony reportedly stated, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” and asked if Metcalf would be okay and whether his actions could be considered self-defense.
His attorney, Mike Howard, said in a video statement, “Karmelo and his family are confident in the justice system and the people of Collin County to be fair and impartial. Of course, Karmelo looks forward to his day in court. Because it’s only in a trial that the full story can be heard, and that impartial justice can be done.”
Howard added, “We expect that when the full story is heard, the prosecution will not be able to rule out the reasonable doubt that Karmelo Anthony may have acted in self-defense.”
Surveillance footage released by Frisco ISD in mid-June shows movement under a tent near the 50-yard line at 9:55 a.m. during the meet, followed by people fleeing or approaching the area. Paramedics arrived minutes later to reach Metcalf, who had been injured. A tarp was later unrolled in the stands, where police recovered a knife allegedly used in the incident.
Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father, responded to the indictment in a statement to CBS News: “I am pleased that we are moving forward. With the first-degree murder indictment, it now goes into the court system. I fully believe that justice will be served for Austin Metcalf. I look forward to the forthcoming trial. But it will never bring my son back.”
Willis encouraged the community to “keep them in your thoughts — and if you’re willing, in your prayers as well.”
The next step is assigning a trial judge, who will set a court date, potentially in the coming weeks or months.