Austin Metcalf Stabbing: Will Suspect Karmelo Anthony Face Death Penalty?

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis has addressed whether Karmelo Anthony, the teen accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet, will face the death penalty. Anthony, charged with first-degree murder, claims he acted in self-defense and remains jailed on a $1 million bond pending a hearing.

Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old charged with murdering high school football star Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet, will not face the death penalty if convicted, according to Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. The 17-year-old who allegedly stabbed Metcalf in the heart during a confrontation at the Frisco athletic event last week, is protected from capital punishment due to his age.

Under Supreme Court rulings, individuals who commit crimes at 17 cannot face the death penalty or life without parole. “The Supreme Court has said not only can you not seek the death penalty against someone who committed a crime when they’re 17, you can’t even get them life without parole. That would not be something we could do even if we wanted to,” Willis told WFAA.

The tragic incident unfolded when Metcalf, also 17, asked Anthony to move from his school’s tent during a rain delay. According to a police report, this led to a brief altercation, and Anthony allegedly stabbed Metcalf in the heart. Metcalf’s twin brother, Hunter, who was present at the scene, rushed to Austin’s aid but couldn’t save him.

Anthony was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after allegedly admitting to the stabbing. He claimed it was in self-defense. He is being held at the Collin County Jail on a $1 million bond. His defense team has already requested a hearing to lower the bond. Willis acknowledged that the defense’s request was expected. “We know his lawyers would be asking for that, but we need to just let all that play out in the courtroom,” he said.