Jury Finds Kuykendahl Stadium Stabbing Defendant Guilty of Murder

A jury in Collin County, Texas, found Karmelo Anthony, 19, guilty of murder on June 10, 2025, for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. The same jury sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison.

Incident Details

The Confrontation

The altercation took place under a tent reserved for Metcalf's school, Memorial High School, during a rain delay. Anthony, then a 17-year-old student at Centennial High School, entered the tent. Multiple witnesses testified that members of Memorial's team asked Anthony to leave. Estimates of the number of requests ranged from several to approximately 15.

Witnesses reported that Metcalf told Anthony, "Bro, just leave. We don't want you here" or "You need to leave." Several witnesses stated Anthony replied, "Touch me and see what happens" or "touch me and find out." Metcalf then pushed or grabbed Anthony. Descriptions of the physical contact varied among witnesses, with some describing a two-handed "lineman move" and others a one-handed "small shove."

One witness testified that Metcalf also stated, "I'm not going to fight you."

The Stabbing

Following the push, Anthony allegedly pulled a folding knife from his backpack and stabbed Metcalf once in the left side of the chest. The medical examiner, Dr. Elizabeth Ventura, testified that the knife perforated Metcalf's right ventricle and that the wound was not survivable.

After the stabbing, witnesses stated Anthony jogged away from the tent through the bleachers and onto the track. Surveillance video shows a figure in a gray sweatshirt, identified as Anthony, running down the bleacher steps and along the track fence. He was subsequently detained by police.

Police body-camera footage shows Anthony telling officers, "He put his hands on me. I stabbed him," and "I'm not alleged. I did it."

Post-Incident

First responders, including a coach and an athletic trainer, performed CPR on Metcalf until paramedics arrived. Metcalf was transported to a hospital, where he died.

Trial Proceedings

Arguments

The prosecution argued that Anthony intentionally provoked the confrontation and escalated it by using deadly force. In closing arguments, First Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirskye stated: "You don't get to meet a shove with a stab — especially if you provoke a shove."

The defense argued that Anthony acted in self-defense, claiming he was physically confronted by Metcalf and his twin brother, Hunter, who were reportedly taller and heavier. Defense attorney Mike Howard stated that Anthony acted in "fear and chaos."

Witness Testimony

The prosecution called 21 witnesses, including students, coaches, law enforcement officers, and the medical examiner. Multiple student witnesses testified that Anthony was asked to leave the tent, refused, and appeared to be the aggressor. One witness described the stabbing as "lethal force against non-lethal force." A witness stated that no one attempted to gang up on Anthony.

The defense called witnesses, including a track coach who testified that athletes commonly socialize in other schools' team areas and that Anthony had been nominated for a captaincy by teammates. The defense also noted that the Frisco Independent School District had no policy prohibiting athletes from entering other teams' tents at the time.

Jury and Deliberations

The jury, composed of 12 jurors and six alternates, was selected from a pool of 600 potential jurors. None of the seated jurors were Black. The defense objected to the removal of three Black prospective jurors; the judge accepted the state's explanation that the strikes were based on their professions as educators.

The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before returning a guilty verdict for murder. The judge also instructed the jury to consider the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Court Orders

Judge John Roach imposed a gag order restricting statements from involved parties and banned electronics from the courtroom.

Sentencing

During the sentencing phase, the defense called Anthony's mother, Kayla Hayes, as the only witness. She testified that her son regrets his actions.

The jury deliberated for two-and-a-half hours before sentencing Anthony to 35 years in prison. Under Texas law, the sentencing range for murder is 5 to 99 years or life in prison. Anthony is required to serve at least half of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Post-Trial Developments

Appeal

Anthony's legal team filed a Notice of Appeal less than 24 hours after the verdict. The appeal will be heard by the 5th District Court of Appeals in Dallas. Appellate attorneys stated that the appeal would focus on procedural issues, including jury selection and the exclusion of potential Black jurors.

Transfer

The Collin County Sheriff's Office reported that Anthony was transferred to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility the day after sentencing.

Reactions

• Andrew Anthony (defendant's father): Questioned the lack of Black jurors and stated his son was "already convicted" in public opinion.
• Jeff Metcalf (victim's father): Described the verdict as bittersweet, stated he has forgiven Anthony for his own well-being, and said he would oppose parole.
• District Attorney Greg Willis: Stated that "justice was served."
• Public figures: Rapper Cardi B and Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) criticized the sentence. Some commentators drew comparisons to the Kyle Rittenhouse trial.

Online Activity and Misinformation

A legal-defense fundraiser for Anthony raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. Officials reported that false information, including fake autopsy reports and a fake social media account impersonating the Frisco police chief, circulated online. Both families reported receiving death threats.