The father of a Texas teen who was stabbed to death at a high school track meet is demanding answers after learning that his son’s alleged killer will be allowed to graduate — despite being charged with first-degree murder.
Jeff Metcalf, whose 17-year-old son Austin was fatally stabbed on April 2 during a confrontation over seating at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, is speaking out against the decision by Frisco Independent School District to grant a diploma to 18-year-old Karmelo Anthony.
Anthony, a student at Frisco Centennial High School, will receive his high school diploma but will not be allowed to attend the graduation ceremony or any related events, according to the advocacy group Next Generation Action Network (NGAN).
“We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted,” said Minister Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN (via CBS News).
“As the largest social justice organization in North Texas, NGAN has worked diligently alongside the Anthony family's legal team to bring about this fair and student-focused resolution. This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right.”
Alexander added that the arrangement was the result of an “agreement” between NGAN, Anthony’s legal team, and the school district.
But Jeff Metcalf is far from satisfied. He filed a complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to challenge the decision and told CBS News Texas he was denied a meeting with Superintendent Mike Waldrip when he went to the administration building without an appointment.
“I’ve been stonewalled. Sad, you know, I understand the protocol,” Metcalf said. “They said I have to make an appointment, which I did.”
Tensions have boiled over in the weeks since the incident. A protest group called Protect White Americans claimed Austin’s death was racially motivated. Jeff Metcalf denounced the protestors directly: “You're trying to create more race divide than bridging the gap.”
He also attended a press event held by Anthony’s family, where he was asked to leave. Alexander publicly criticized Jeff’s presence, calling it “a disrespect to the dignity of his son.”
“He knew that it is inappropriate to be near the family, but he did it. Actions speak louder than words,” Alexander said.
According to police, the fatal confrontation began when Austin asked Anthony to move from under a team tent. An affidavit states Anthony responded, “Touch me and see what happens,” and after Austin physically touched him, Anthony allegedly challenged him to punch him. When Austin tried to move Anthony, the teen reportedly pulled a knife from his backpack and stabbed him.
Anthony, who was 17 at the time of the stabbing, later told police, “I’m not alleged, I did it.” He added, “He put his hands on me. I told him not to,” and asked, “if what happened could be considered self-defense.”
His attorney, Deric Walpole, told NBC 5 DFW, “I know that my client said it was self-defense. I don’t have any reason to disbelieve that, but I need to develop facts, talk to people and figure out what’s going on before I make any statements about what I think happened. I don’t have any reason to think it wasn’t self-defense at this time.”
Anthony has since been charged with first-degree murder and released on bond after it was reduced from $1 million to $250,000.
In a prior email to Centennial High families, Superintendent Waldrip tried to squash misinformation, writing, “I want to be clear. No student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony.”
Still, the fact that Anthony will be handed a diploma while awaiting trial has left many, especially Austin’s family, reeling.