In a case that has shaken the Frisco, Texas community to its core and sparked intense online debates, Andrew Anthony, father of 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, is speaking out to share his son’s side of the story. He’s asking the public to look beyond sensational headlines and consider a more nuanced perspective of what led to the tragic confrontation that resulted in the death of 17-year-old football star Austin Metcalf.
"He's a Good Kid": A Father's Defense of His Son
In an emotional and exclusive interview with the New York Post, Andrew Anthony describes his son as a hardworking, well-rounded student caught in a devastating moment. "Everyone has already made assumptions about my son, but he’s not the person they’re making him out to be," Andrew said, defending his son’s character.
“He’s a good kid. He works two jobs. He’s an A student with a 3.7 GPA,” he added.
Karmelo’s family has also launched a fundraising campaign to support him, raising over $143,000 as of Monday. The fundraiser, hosted on GiveSendGo, asserts that Karmelo acted in self-defense during the altercation, despite conflicting reports. The campaign’s description reads, “The narrative being spread is false, unjust, and harmful.”
The Fatal Confrontation: What Really Happened?
Karmelo Anthony is accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf, a standout high school football player, during a heated dispute at a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas. According to witnesses, the confrontation began when Karmelo allegedly sat in the wrong seat, leading to a tense argument. What began as a disagreement over seating quickly escalated into violence.
“He was not the aggressor. He was not the one who started it,” Andrew Anthony insists. He claims his son was simply told to move and that the situation spiraled out of control. “Karmelo had no intention of fighting. He was just trying to protect himself.”
Witnesses have corroborated this version of events, with some claiming that Austin initiated the physical confrontation.
The tragic incident ended when Karmelo reportedly pulled a knife and stabbed Austin in the heart, causing his death shortly thereafter. Austin’s twin brother, Hunter Metcalf, was by his side when the fatal blow was delivered. In an emotional interview, Hunter shared his heartache: “I looked at my brother and I’m not going to talk about the rest. I tried to help him.”
A Heartbroken Family Seeks Justice
While Karmelo’s family insists the stabbing was an act of self-defense, the Metcalf family is demanding justice for the loss of their son. “What kind of parents raised this child?” Austin’s father, Jeff Metcalf, asked in a grief-stricken interview. “He brought a knife to a track meet and murdered my son. This is murder.”
According to police reports, a witness described how Karmelo unzipped his bag and warned Austin: “Touch me and see what happens.” Seconds later, Austin allegedly grabbed Karmelo, prompting him to pull out a black knife and fatally stab Austin in the chest.
A Split-Second Decision?
Andrew Anthony continues to emphasize that this was not a premeditated act but a tragic, split-second decision. “I feel bad for the other parents and family,” he said. “Words can’t explain how both families have been affected by this tragedy.”
Despite admitting to the stabbing, Karmelo reportedly expressed remorse, asking police if Austin would survive. This emotional response has led some to believe Karmelo’s actions were out of fear rather than malice.
The Aftermath: Two Families Torn Apart
The impact of this tragedy is being felt by both families. Austin Metcalf, described as a standout football player and a student with a 4.0 GPA, had a bright future ahead of him. His father, Jeff, said, “He was on the right track. He was loved by many. He was a leader.”
Karmelo Anthony, meanwhile, faces the difficult road ahead of clearing his name, with many online debating whether this was truly self-defense or an act of senseless violence.
The case has quickly gone viral, with polarized opinions emerging. Some are calling for the harshest possible punishment for Karmelo, while others urge compassion and a full examination of the facts before jumping to conclusions.
As the case unfolds, it’s clear that both families are forever changed. The debate over justice, teenage violence, and the complexities of self-defense continues to intensify, highlighting the need for greater understanding in moments of crisis.