A teenager, who reportedly admitted to killing a fellow student over a disagreement at a track meet, has made an unexpected move.
Karmelo Anthony, a senior at Centennial High School, has been accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf from Frisco ISD’s Memorial High School. The incident, which occurred on April 2, involved Anthony allegedly using a knife during a confrontation, with the blade piercing Austin’s heart.
The altercation took place at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas. It began when Austin confronted Anthony, instructing him and his friends to relocate, as he claimed they were inappropriately seated in a reserved area.
According to an arrest report, Anthony was taking shelter from the rain under the pop-up tent of Austin’s school when Austin asked him to move. An officer noted that Anthony claimed he acted in self-defense when he drew the knife.
When apprehended, Anthony was referred to as a suspect by an officer, prompting him to reportedly respond: “I’m not alleged, I did it.”
The report relayed by NBC Dallas Fort Worth stated: “Austin grabbed Anthony to tell him to move and Anthony pulled out … a black knife and stabbed Austin once in the chest.”
As the teen, accused of attacking the promising athlete, prepared for his initial court appearance scheduled for April 14, he made an unexpected decision by switching his legal representation.
Initially set to be defended by attorneys Billy Clark and Kim T. Cole, Anthony has now enlisted Dallas criminal defense attorney Mike Howard, funded by over $400,000 raised through a GiveSendGo organized by his family.
Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), which supports the accused, announced the change via Facebook.
The organization stated: “The family of Karmelo Anthony has officially retained Attorney Mike Howard as lead counsel in Karmelo’s legal defense.”
“We are grateful for the early support from Attorneys Billy Clark and Kim Cole, and we continue working to build a strong legal team for the fight ahead.”
“Karmelo deserves what every citizen deserves: fair treatment and full rights under the law. We won’t stop fighting until he gets it.”
Karmelo’s father, Andrew, commented to the New York Post: “He was not the aggressor. He was not the one who started it.”
Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, was present during the incident, cradling his brother in his final moments.
“He was a good kid… He has a good heart, everyone around you knows he’s a great kid. Just one mistake from that dude and [he] just took my brother,” Hunter shared in an interview with WFAA.
“He didn’t deserve it. No one deserves a loss from a family like that,” he added.
Hunter further explained, “We asked him to move. He started getting aggressive and talking reckless and my brother stepped in and said ‘You need to move’.”
“I tried to whip around as fast as I could but I didn’t see the stab. I looked at my brother and I’m not going to talk about the rest. I tried to help him.”
Hunter noted that Austin aspired to play college football as a linebacker. A GoFundMe page has been established to support his family during this difficult time.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].