Father of Slain Texas Teen Speaks Out as Murder Case Moves Forward
As a murder charge moves ahead in one of Texas’s most closely watched youth violence cases, the father of a teenager killed at a high school track meet has spoken publicly for the first time — his words adding a new and deeply emotional layer to an already tragic story.
Seventeen-year-old Austin Metcalf, a bright and athletic student from Frisco, was fatally stabbed during what authorities described as a sudden altercation at a Frisco ISD track event two months ago. The alleged assailant, Karmelo Anthony, also a teenager and once a familiar face to many in the local sports community, has now been formally charged with first-degree murder.
The case, which has shaken both the Frisco and greater Dallas–Fort Worth communities, reached a critical point on June 24, 2025, when a Collin County grand jury handed down the official indictment after weeks of reviewing testimony, witness statements, and forensic evidence. The charge signifies that prosecutors believe there is sufficient proof for the case to proceed to trial.
The Incident That Shattered a Community
According to police reports and witness accounts, the tragedy unfolded on April 2 at Kuykendall Stadium, where several local schools had gathered for a district-wide track and field competition. What began as a normal afternoon of friendly athletic rivalry reportedly spiraled into chaos when an argument between the two teens escalated into a violent confrontation.
Investigators say the conflict may have started over a personal dispute — though the exact cause remains unclear. Within moments, the situation turned deadly. Witnesses described screams and confusion as coaches and students rushed to separate the two boys. By the time emergency personnel arrived, Austin had sustained multiple stab wounds. Despite rapid medical intervention, he was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Both families were left devastated, and what was once a scene of youthful energy became a place of mourning. In the days that followed, flowers, track medals, and handwritten notes covered the stadium gates — tributes to a young life cut short.
Legal Proceedings and the Path Forward
Karmelo Anthony, who was 17 at the time of the incident and has since turned 18, was arrested that same day and initially detained at a juvenile facility. Following a preliminary hearing, he was placed under house arrest and later released on a reduced bond, pending trial.
Under Texas law, individuals aged 17 or older can be prosecuted as adults for serious offenses such as homicide. If convicted, Karmelo faces a sentence ranging from five years to life in prison. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they will pursue the maximum penalty but have emphasized the severity of the crime and its impact on the community.
A representative from the Collin County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that additional evidence — including surveillance footage, forensic reports, and digital communications between the two teens — will be presented when the case moves to trial later this year.
Meanwhile, Karmelo’s defense team has maintained that the stabbing was an act of self-defense, arguing that the incident was a tragic escalation rather than a premeditated act. Legal experts say the distinction will be central to the upcoming proceedings, as it could determine whether the case results in a lengthy prison term or a lesser conviction.
A Father’s Grief and Plea for Change
Speaking publicly for the first time since his son’s death, David Metcalf, Austin’s father, said no family should ever have to endure the pain his own now lives with every day.
“My son went to a school event to run, to compete, to be with friends,” Metcalf said in an interview with CBS News. “He didn’t come home. That’s something no parent can prepare for. You send your child to school, and you think they’re safe. You never imagine getting that phone call.”
Metcalf described Austin as a hardworking student, a talented runner, and a kindhearted friend who had dreams of studying sports medicine after graduation. “He was the kind of kid who made everyone laugh,” he said. “He never looked for trouble. He wanted to make a difference in people’s lives — and now, he’s gone.”
The grieving father also expressed his hope that his son’s death will lead to broader discussions about youth violence, mental health, and conflict resolution within schools. “We can’t bring Austin back,” he said, “but maybe we can stop another family from living this nightmare.”
A Community in Mourning
In the weeks following the tragedy, the Frisco Independent School District held candlelight vigils and memorial runs in Austin’s honor. Students wore blue ribbons — his favorite color — and shared stories of his generosity and spirit. Teachers remembered him as driven and respectful, someone who inspired others through quiet determination.
“Our hearts are broken,” said one of Austin’s track coaches. “He was the kind of student every coach hopes to have — disciplined, team-oriented, always encouraging others.”
Community leaders have since called for increased counseling resources and conflict prevention programs across local schools. The tragedy, they said, underscores how quickly ordinary disagreements can escalate into irreversible loss.
Looking Ahead
As the legal process unfolds, both families remain under intense scrutiny — one mourning a son lost, the other fearing a son’s future behind bars. The trial is expected to draw national attention, not only for its emotional gravity but also for the broader questions it raises about accountability, youth behavior, and justice in the modern age.
For now, Austin’s family clings to memories — photos, trophies, and laughter that once filled their home. His father says that even amid the grief, he holds onto one belief: that his son’s story will serve as a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how urgently society must address the roots of violence among young people.
“Nothing will ever make this right,” Metcalf said quietly. “But if Austin’s story can wake people up — if it can save even one life — then maybe, in some way, he’s still running. Still making a difference.”