Austin Metcalf’s father opens up about son’s murder, Karmelo Anthony conviction
Jeff Metcalf, father of murdered 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, shares his perspective on the newly released evidence and the trial's outcome. Metcalf criticizes the media for politicizing his son's murder and turning it into a racial narrative, emphasizing the importance of character over race. He also discusses his family's ongoing healing process and the profound impact on Austin's twin brother.
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"I had never seen those pictures, and I never want to see those pictures. I saw one, and it was, that was enough," said Jeff Metcalf.
His son, Austin Metcalf, was 17 years old when he was murdered by Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted earlier this month of killing Metcalf.
It happened at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. Following his high-profile trial, conviction and 35-year sentence, Anthony is actively fighting to appeal it.
Authorities photographed a folding pocketknife with a dark blade and gray handle used in the murder of Austin Metcalf in Texas. (Collin County Courts)
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Concurrently, the Metcalf family is coming to grips with the world having access to the graphic and disturbing audio and visuals that Collin County Courts made public.
Austin Metcalf, 17, was stabbed to death at a Texas track meet. (Jeff Metcalf)
Fox News Digital asked Metcalf if he felt it was necessary to show his son's devastating injuries, to which he said, "We actually were escorted out of the courtroom during that part of the testimony."
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Karmelo Anthony is photographed handcuffed inside a police vehicle with blood visible on his left-hand finger. (Collin County Courts)
At the same time, he said he understands it's publicly accessible.
"Do I think it's morally correct to show that? No, because, really, the wound has nothing to do with the case," he said.
A family photo of Jeff Metcalf with his sons Austin and Hunter Metcalf is displayed at their home in Frisco, Texas, on June 17, 2026. Austin Metcalf, 17, was murdered at a high school track meet last year. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)
Court records reveal the fatal chest wound measured two inches in length.
"It's not a puncture wound. It's a stab, and a twist, and a pull," Metcalf said.
Bodycam video released by Collin County Court in Texas shows Karmelo Anthony being placed in handcuffs moments after the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf. (Collin County Courts)
Throughout his trial, Anthony's defense argued the killer acted in self-defense. Weeks after his sentencing, Fox News Digital has learned a team of civil defense attorneys has joined his fight to appeal his conviction and sentencing.
Austin Metcalf was murdered under a track tent when convicted killer Karmelo Anthony stabbed him at a Frisco, Texas high school track meet. (Collin County Courts)
"There was no fight; there [were] no punches. He wasn't jumped. He didn't try to escape from a gang of people that surrounded him. The only time that people stood up was when after Austin was stabbed, because they realized it happened so fast," Metcalf said about the altercation between his son and Anthony under the track meet tent.
Austin Metcalf was 17 years old when he was stabbed and killed at a Frisco, Texas high school track meet. (Collin County Courts)
Anthony's court records reveal a "motion to substitute counsel" was filed Monday. Until then, he was being represented by court-appointed attorney Lara Bracamonte Davila in his appeal.
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Fox News Digital confirmed veteran criminal defense attorney Russell Wilson II will be joining the fight to appeal.
Karmelo Anthony is pictured after being transferred to the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and transported to the Pack Unit near Navasota, Texas. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice)
Also joining the team is Gary Bledsoe, who is the president of the Texas NAACP; Michael L. Ware; Brooke Cluse, who works for Ben Crump Law; Sean Dardia; and Justin A. Moore, according to CBS Texas. The team is reportedly working pro bono.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Stand with Karmelo Coalition for comment.
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