Karmelo Anthony Sentenced to 35 Years for Texas Murder, Appeals Filed

A Collin County jury in Frisco, Texas, convicted 19‑year‑old Karmelo Anthony of murder for the fatal stabbing of 17‑year‑old Austin Metcalf during a high‑school track meet in April 2025. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in state prison, with eligibility for parole after 17.5 years.

Within 24 hours of the sentencing, Anthony’s attorneys filed a notice of appeal, indicating they will contest both the conviction and the length of the sentence. The appeal is expected to raise issues such as alleged racial bias in jury selection, as the defense argued that no Black jurors were seated. Outside the courtroom, supporters of Anthony and supporters of Metcalf clashed, resulting in two arrests for public intoxication and illegal weapon possession.

Anthony has been transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice while the appellate process proceeds, which could take months or years.