Jeff Metcalf, the father of Austin Metcalf, has criticized what he called the ‘moral decay of society’ as Karmelo Anthony moves forward with his appeal after being convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison.
A Collin County jury convicted Anthony of murder on June 9, 2026, after finding that he fatally stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a confrontation at a Frisco track meet in April 2025. The same jury then sentenced Anthony, who was 19 at the time of the verdict, to 35 years behind bars.
Anthony argued that he stabbed Austin Metcalf, also 17, in ‘self-defense’ during the incident. Jurors ultimately rejected that claim and found him guilty of murder.
Prosecutors said Anthony took a knife from his bag after Austin tried to physically remove him, then stabbed the teenager in the chest.
His lawyers filed a notice of appeal shortly after the verdict, formally beginning the process of challenging the conviction.
Speaking to Fox News while Anthony prepares that appeal, Jeff Metcalf condemned what he said were ‘multiple lies and mistruths’ spread about both the case and his son.
Speaking to Will Cain on the news channel, Jeff said:
“People had their own opinions without even seeing the facts, and that’s the part I have trouble with.
“Unfortunately, in today’s moral decay of society that we’ve witnessed, people believe that if they have their own voice, they scream loud enough, they’re right.”
The case has remained a topic of debate in the media. During a discussion on The View, Sunny Hostin said she did not believe the jury should have dismissed self-defense after watching police bodycam footage from Anthony’s arrest.
In that footage, Anthony could be heard saying:
“He put his hands on me. I told him not to but he put his hands on me.”
Jeff Metcalf also took aim at commentators and outlets he believes have misrepresented what happened.
He added:
“They don’t know me. They don’t know Hunter, Austin. They don’t know Karmelo. They’re looking for their 15 minutes of fame or their clickbait.
“They’re looking to monetize the death of my son. I really wish they wouldn’t speak about it at all.”
After Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison, Jeff was reported to have shouted at him in court:
“We were robbed. The public response sickens me, especially when a gag order doesn’t allow me to defend my son.”
Addressing the court, the victim’s father also said:
“This was never about race or politics, but what you did was to choose to make it about both. We all bleed the same color. You are free to make choices all of your life, but are not free to not face consequences. They weren’t bullies and they weren’t racists.
“You failed your parents you failed yourself and you failed society. You don’t belong.
“I forgive you, but I do not forgive what you did. You can’t even look me in the eye, but you can stab my son in the f****** heart.”
Anthony did not reply to those remarks in the courtroom.