Texas teen Karmelo Anthony's murder trial begins for fatal stabbing of football player Austin Metcalf

Jury selection for the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, a Texas teenager accused of fatally stabbing 17‑year‑old football star Austin Metcalf, will start Monday and Wednesday at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, with opening arguments scheduled for Thursday if a jury is seated. Judge John Roach has imposed a gag order and banned all electronic devices, recordings and livestreaming in the courtroom because of the high public interest.

The stabbing occurred on April 2, 2025 at a high‑school track meet in Frisco, Texas. According to police reports, Metcalf confronted Anthony over seating under a team tent, after which Anthony allegedly drew a black knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest. Metcalf died in his twin brother’s arms. Anthony, then 17, was arrested, later released on house arrest after his bail was reduced to $250,000, and is now 19. He faces a first‑degree murder charge, with a possible sentence of five to 99 years if convicted.

The case sparked a national online controversy and generated more than $600,000 in donations through the GiveSendGo platform to support Anthony’s defense. His mother, Kala Hayes, said the family “has been under attack,” while Metcalf’s twin brother, Hunter, called the killing “senseless.”