Track teams from eight Frisco ISD high schools are competing in a UIL district track meet Thursday and Friday in Little Elm, just over a year after a similar meet ended in a fatal stabbing.
Ahead of Thursday’s meet, Frisco ISD issued a statement saying it is “committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students, athletes, families and spectators attending the district track meet. District administrators will be on-site, and appropriate security measures will be in place to support a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone,” CBS News Texas reported.
On April 2, 2025, two students got into an altercation in the bleachers of Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco. After a brief exchange, Memorial High School athlete Austin Metcalf allegedly pushed Centennial High School athlete Karmelo Anthony. Anthony then fatally stabbed Metcalf in the chest, as reported by The Dallas Express.
Anthony faces first-degree murder charges in Metcalf’s death. His trial is set for June 1 in Collin County. If convicted, he could receive 5 to 99 years or life in prison. Texas treats 17-year-olds as adults in its criminal justice system.
Karmelo Anthony
Since his release on bond in April 2025, Karmelo Anthony has remained on house arrest with an ankle monitor as a condition of his $250,000 bond. He has faced no additional criminal punishment beyond these restrictions.
In May 2025, he graduated from Frisco Centennial High School with a 3.7 GPA after completing all required credits; however, he was not allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies or senior activities due to district policy regarding serious criminal charges.
A GiveSendGo fundraising campaign titled “Help Karmelo Official Fund,” created by Anthony’s family for legal defense and living expenses, has raised approximately $596,000 as of early April 2026 (with the goal increased multiple times, now reaching over $1.3 million).
The campaign has been controversial, with some donors questioning how the funds were used and calling for refunds after reports that portions of the funds were allegedly used for family living expenses, including renting a home in a gated community and purchasing a vehicle.
Critics have repeatedly asked why donations are being directed to someone charged with murder.
Supporters of the fund argue the money is needed for legal defense costs in a high-profile case and to support Anthony’s family while he maintains his innocence and claims self-defense.
Opponents contend that raising significant sums for the accused undermines justice for the victim, Austin Metcalf, and his family.
Anthony’s murder trial remains scheduled for June 1, 2026, in Collin County. A strict gag order limits public comments from attorneys and involved parties.
The Metcalf Family
Since Austin Metcalf’s death, his family has endured profound grief while facing intense public scrutiny, online harassment, and multiple swatting incidents, as reported by Fox 4 KDFW in April of 2025.
During that same time, Austin’s father, Jeff Metcalf, publicly stated that the tragedy was not racially motivated and urged people not to politicize or turn his son’s death into a racial or political issue.
The family held a memorial service for Austin on April 12, 2025, at Hope Fellowship Frisco East, followed by a private burial.
Jeff Metcalf described his son as a bright, high-achieving student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA who was voted the football team’s MVP and dreamed of playing college football. Austin’s identical twin brother, Hunter Metcalf, was at the track meet and held his brother in his arms as he died.
Several GoFundMe campaigns were established shortly after Austin’s death to help with funeral costs, grief support, and family needs. The primary campaign, organized by Jeff Metcalf (“Honoring Austin Metcalf: Help His Family Heal”), raised $577,938 toward their $1 million goal as of April 2026.
Jeff Metcalf has said publicly that while he believes justice will be served through the courts, “it will never bring my son back.”
