Nationwide — Karmelo Anthony, an African American teen who fatally stabbed Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, last Wednesday, has raised more than $250,000 through a GiveSendGo page that was created for his legal defense. According to police, Anthony confessed to the stabbing and claimed he was acting in self-defense. Witnesses say the altercation began when Metcalf told Anthony, who was sitting under another school’s tent, that he needed to move. The incident quickly escalated into a fatal encounter that has left the community stunned and divided.
According to WFAA, when officers found Anthony, he reportedly admitted, unprompted, that he acted in self-defense. He told police Metcalf had “put his hands on him” and later said, “I did it,” when informed he was a suspect. The knife was later recovered from the bleachers, and Anthony, who had blood on his hand, was taken into custody with a bond set at $1 million. He is currently being held in the Collin County Jail.
Anthony’s relative, Kevin Hayes, supported his claim of self-defense in a viral Facebook post, stating that Anthony was bullied by the Metcalf brothers and that they broke his phone. Legal experts, however, say the self-defense argument may be difficult to prove, as the victim was unarmed. Attorney Mike Howard explained that provoking a confrontation undermines any self-defense claim. Nonetheless, the defense may argue that Anthony panicked after being allegedly jumped.
Police say over 30 students and coaches witnessed the stabbing. Despite the devastating loss, Jeff Metcalf has publicly forgiven Anthony, saying he leans on his faith during this difficult time. “The world needs more kind people. If you can’t find one, be one,” he said. Frisco Police Chief David Shilson also released a statement urging parents to guide their children through better decision-making and warned against misinformation spreading on social media. A fake account impersonating him has already surfaced and is under investigation.