Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years; Austin Metcalf's father says perpetrator's family showed no remorse

In April 2025, 17‑year‑old Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed at a high‑school track meet in Frisco, Texas. Nineteen‑year‑old Karmelo Anthony was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father, told Fox News that Anthony’s parents did not attend the sentencing or victim‑impact statements and offered no apology, saying “neither accountability nor remorse was shown.” He also criticised media commentators who, in his view, used the case to push a race narrative.

A coalition supporting Anthony announced a new pro‑bono appellate team to review the trial for possible legal errors, including challenges to the jury selection and the self‑defense claim raised by former federal prosecutor Sunny Hostin on “The View.” The appeal process is just beginning and could take several months.

The case has drawn national attention, with ongoing debate over racial issues in the courtroom and the handling of the victim’s family’s statements.