Jeff Metcalf, the father of slain teenager Austin Metcalf, told Newsmax Thursday he will never be satisfied until he can see his son walk through the door and give him a hug.

Karmelo Anthony was convicted of murder in the killing of the 17-year-old at a track meet in Texas and sentenced to 35 years in prison.

A jury rejected Anthony's claims of self-defense in a confrontation with Austin Metcalf in the stadium's bleachers last year.

Students who testified described a heated exchange when Anthony refused to leave a tent belonging to Austin Metcalf's team during a rainy competition.

"I actually feel sorry for Karmelo Anthony. I've never been to prison," Jeff Metcalf said on "Rob Schmitt Tonight."

"But I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Unfortunately, we live in a society where your actions have consequences."

Jeff Metcalf said that as a Christian, he forgave Anthony for killing his son.

"The forgiveness was for me, so I wouldn't carry the rage and the hate. It doesn't excuse his actions," he said.

"It's not that it's OK. It's not OK. But it's unfortunate," Jeff Metcalf continued.

"You chose the decision to take my son's life. You do have to answer for that."

Jeff Metcalf said he was puzzled that Anthony did not take the stand in his own defense.

"If I was being accused of something and I was claiming self-defense, I would want to get on the stand and tell my story. I would want to explain exactly what was in my mind, what I was thinking, and why I reacted in the way I did," he said.

"He chose not to. That says a lot."

Jeff Metcalf said Anthony's parents should've taught their son about accountability.

"They're deflecting. Take accountability. They've never ever, ever showed remorse, never apologized," he said.

"The Anthony family decided to kick me out of a press conference. I was there to show the world we could come together."

The father was critical of people who used the incident to criticize his son.

"You only control two things: your attitude and your actions. So if someone chooses to be that way, that's a reflection of their character and has nothing to do with me," he said.

"At the end of the day, I feel like I will get into heaven and sit beside Austin, and then I will have understanding. But for people to lower their self and show the moral decay of society, to take a dead child and make memes and derogatory terms just because you're trying to defend someone who murdered him, I don't understand the concept."

Jeff Metcalf said he is relieved the trial is over and he doesn't have to relive his son's death again.

"No parent should ever have to feel this. And I don't care what color you are," he said.

"I don't see color. God doesn't see color. Justice doesn't see color. Hate doesn't see color. Love doesn't see color," Jeff Metcalf continued.

"The world needs more kind people in it. And if you can't find one, be one."

GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:

NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!

Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.

You need to watch NEWSMAX today.

Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!

Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now

BEST OFFER:

Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.

Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.

Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!

Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.

Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!

Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com