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Published 16:29 04 Jun 2026 GMT
The murder trial of Karmelo Anthony has begun in Texas, with prosecutors revealing the final words spoken by 17-year-old Austin Metcalf after he was stabbed during a high school track meet.
Anthony, now 19, is charged with first-degree murder over the fatal stabbing at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco on April 2 last year. He has pleaded not guilty and claims he acted in self-defense following a dispute over seating at the event.
Per The Daily Mail, during opening statements on Thursday, Collin County First Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirskye told jurors that Metcalf realized he had been stabbed before lifting his shirt and saying: "I've been stabbed."
Prosecutors said the teenager then tumbled down several rows of bleachers as his twin brother, Hunter, rushed to help him.
Wirskye told the court that Anthony used a folding knife during the confrontation and later discarded the weapon before leaving the scene.
According to prosecutors, Anthony attempted to blend into groups of students fleeing the stadium after the incident.
"If you're scared and running away in self-defense, why toss the knife?" the prosecutor said.
"That knife wasn't used to protect him from harm. That knife was used to harm another. Find this man guilty of first-degree murder," he continued, pointing at Anthony.
The prosecution also argued that race should not be considered when evaluating the evidence.
"This case has nothing to do with race," Collin County First Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirskye said.
Anthony had his knife ready to stab Austin Metcalf in a "surprise attack," the prosecutor claimed.
"That's why we are here, no other reason," Wirskye said. "This killing, this murder is just senseless."
Anthony's attorney Mike Howard presented a different version of events, arguing that his client acted after being confronted by Metcalf and his brother.
"'What's important to know is Melo is 5'8" and 140 pounds. Hunter and Austin Metcalf are 6'1' about 80 pounds heavier than Melo," defense attorney Mike Howard said, referring to Anthony by his nickname.
"What you will hear is that Melo remained seated, even when Austin and Hunter stood up," Howard continued.
"It is uncontroverted that Austin makes the first physical contact. Austin grabs, punches, pushes. In that split second, Melo has a decision to make, how and when to act."
Howard also described Anthony as a strong student with a 3.7 GPA who played multiple sports and held two jobs, while telling jurors there had been "a lot of noise" and "a lot of completely false information" surrounding the case.
The trial is expected to last around two weeks, with prosecutors planning to present surveillance footage that allegedly captured the incident.
"The video will tell the story," Wirskye said. "The facts of this case are as simple as this act was senseless."
More than 35 witnesses are expected to testify, including student athletes, coaches and Austin Metcalf's twin brother Hunter, who was with him in his final moments.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Anthony faces a sentence ranging from five years to 99 years in prison.
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