Breaking: Karmelo Anthony Verdict Is In — Texas on Edge

redstate.com

A jury has convicted Texas teen Karmelo Anthony on murder charges for the 2025 stabbing death of 17-year-old football player Austin Metcalf at David Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas (a Dallas suburb).

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He faces up to 99 years behind bars. The sentencing phase of the trial is already underway.

Anthony, from Frisco Centennial High School, was sitting under rival Memorial High's tent when Metcalf, along with his twin brother, asked him to leave, and that’s when Anthony stabbed him once in the chest and fled. Metcalf died in his brother’s arms.

The jury deliberated for three hours. Anthony was reportedly sobbing in the courtroom after the verdict was read. 

Three black jurors were excused from the trial, and no blacks ended up serving. The defense will likely appeal because of this and whatever else they can think of.

MORE: Is This How Democrats Will Solve Their Graham Platner Problem?

Finally: Karmelo Anthony at Long Last Indicted for Stabbing Murder of Fellow Teen at Texas Track Meet

The prosecution said in its closing statement that there was no justifiable reason for Anthony to have attacked Metcalf with deadly force:

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A very impassioned [prosecuitor Bill Wirskye] told the jury that "what's not important is motive; what should be is mindset."

"He took a knife to a track meet," Wirskye said. 'He had a secret, he kept it hidden... He was the only one with a knife that day. He was always going to come out on top that day."

"You don't get to meet a shove with a stab, especially if you provoke the shove," Wirskye said.

The defense had argued that Metcalf had shoved Anthony:

He [Defense attorney Mike Howard] reminded the jury of the importance of the jury charge, noting that defendants are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

"The government wants this case to be about, 'Melo could have just left,'" Howard said. "Sure, he could have. I'm sure he wishes he did."

Even before the verdict was read, emotions were running high:

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🚨 NOW: Karmelo Anthony supporters ARGUE with each other in the parking lot of the Collin County Courthouse as we await the jury’s verdict

They’ve even got the Black Panthers out here today

But they’re VASTLY outnumbered by deputies and cops, who will NOT put up with their BS

Keep praying for justice for the Metcalfs.

All eyes will be on Texas this evening.

Clarification: More information about the sentencing phase was added after the story was originally published.