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Anthony is now facing life in prison.
A Collin County, Texas jury on Tuesday found 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony guilty of murdering 17-year-old high school athlete Austin Metcalf, bringing an end to one of the most closely watched murder trials in the country.
Anthony, who was 17 at the time of the killing, was tried as an adult. He now faces anywhere from five years to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder.
Just before the verdict was read, CBS reporter J.D. Miles noted that more than two dozen deputies had been stationed outside the courtroom as tensions mounted. A crowd gathered outside the courthouse chanting, “Free Karmelo.”
The case exploded into the national spotlight after Anthony, who is black, fatally stabbed Metcalf, who was white, during a track event in Frisco, Texas in April 2025. The story gained traction not only because of the circumstances surrounding the killing, but because much of the corporate press seemed strangely uninterested in covering it. Had the racial dynamics been reversed, everyone knows the media cycle would have looked very different.
The trial itself moved quickly. Jury selection began June 1 and the proceedings wrapped in just nine days. Throughout the trial, prosecutors presented video footage and witness testimony showing Anthony initiated the confrontation with Metcalf and that deadly force was not justified. Even testimony from defense witnesses undercut the self-defense narrative pushed by Anthony’s legal team.
Anthony notably declined to testify in his own defense.
The racial narrative promoted by Anthony’s family also fell apart once witnesses took the stand. Several black teenage witnesses called by the prosecution testified that Anthony was in the wrong and described Metcalf as a respected friend and leader.
One of the most emotional moments came when a young male witness who knew both teens broke down in tears while describing the killing.
“That was my brother, that was my brother that got stabbed,” he said.
Investigative journalist Sarah Fields, who attended the trial, reported that the witness was directly asked whether the case was about race.
“No,” the teen responded. “Austin was a leader and he protected us.”
Video evidence further dismantled claims that Anthony had been cornered or threatened by a mob. Footage showed Metcalf confronting Anthony alone. According to witness testimony, Metcalf explicitly told Anthony he was not going to fight him.
Meanwhile, supporters of Anthony have maintained a presence outside the courthouse since the start of the trial, with some making inflammatory racial remarks and publicly attacking the victim. Authorities increased security around the courthouse early Tuesday morning amid concerns about possible unrest following the verdict.
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