Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A Collin County jury sentenced 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison Tuesday in connection with the case involving 17-year-old Austin Metcalf following an incident at a Frisco track meet last year.
The sentencing came just hours after Anthony was found guilty in the case. He faced a possible sentence ranging up to life in prison.
Jurors had the option of finding him guilty of either manslaughter or another related charge if they did not find him not guilty. The distinction between the charges centered on intent, with the verdict indicating the jury believed Anthony knowingly caused Metcalf’s passing.
During the punishment phase of the trial, Anthony’s mother, Kayla Hayes, asked the jury for compassion.
“He’s my oldest, he’s my first born, he will always be my baby,” she said. “I love him very much.”
When asked if she believed her son had regrets, she responded, “Yes, I know my son. He’s very sorry for what happened.”
“Please have mercy on my son,” she added.
During closing arguments, defense attorney Mike Howard acknowledged the difficulty of the jury’s decision and asked them to consider whether Anthony acted under sudden passion when determining punishment. He argued that jurors only needed to believe Anthony experienced fear in the moment.
“I can only ask you to consider both sides, to follow your hearts, and to follow the law,” he said.
Prosecutor Bill Wirskye argued that sudden passion did not apply to the circumstances of this case. He urged jurors to consider a life sentence, stating, “Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent.”
“Regardless of what you do today, plenty of life sentences have already been handed out in this case,” he told the jury.
The decision followed the conclusion of testimony from both sides. Anthony’s defense lasted two days and ended without him taking the stand. Prosecutors argued that Anthony’s actions were unjustified, while the defense maintained that he acted in self-defense.
The case attracted national attention and sparked discussions regarding the racial backgrounds of both teens. Anthony is Black, while Metcalf was white. None of the jurors were Black.
Several schools were participating in the track meet when Anthony sat under the Memorial High School tent in the bleachers. Witnesses testified that Metcalf and others repeatedly asked Anthony to leave, leading to an escalating confrontation.
According to a police report, Anthony at one point reached inside a bag and responded, “Touch me and see what happens.”
Witnesses stated that Metcalf pushed Anthony, after which Anthony produced an object that resulted in a critical chest injury to Metcalf. The two Frisco teenagers did not know each other prior to the incident.
The trial drew significant public interest, with long lines forming outside the courtroom as people hoped to secure seats in the gallery. Heavy security remained in place throughout the proceedings. On Tuesday, dozens gathered outside the Collin County courthouse in the heat awaiting the verdict. Emotional reactions followed the announcement, with one woman crying out, “This isn’t real!”
#karmeloanthony
A Collin County jury sentenced 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison Tuesday in connection with the case involving 17-year-old Austin Metcalf following an incident at a Frisco track meet last year.
The sentencing came just hours after Anthony was found guilty in the case. He faced a possible sentence ranging up to life in prison.
Jurors had the option of finding him guilty of either manslaughter or another related charge if they did not find him not guilty. The distinction between the charges centered on intent, with the verdict indicating the jury believed Anthony knowingly caused Metcalf’s passing.
During the punishment phase of the trial, Anthony’s mother, Kayla Hayes, asked the jury for compassion.
“He’s my oldest, he’s my first born, he will always be my baby,” she said. “I love him very much.”
When asked if she believed her son had regrets, she responded, “Yes, I know my son. He’s very sorry for what happened.”
“Please have mercy on my son,” she added.
During closing arguments, defense attorney Mike Howard acknowledged the difficulty of the jury’s decision and asked them to consider whether Anthony acted under sudden passion when determining punishment. He argued that jurors only needed to believe Anthony experienced fear in the moment.
“I can only ask you to consider both sides, to follow your hearts, and to follow the law,” he said.
Prosecutor Bill Wirskye argued that sudden passion did not apply to the circumstances of this case. He urged jurors to consider a life sentence, stating, “Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent.”
“Regardless of what you do today, plenty of life sentences have already been handed out in this case,” he told the jury.
The decision followed the conclusion of testimony from both sides. Anthony’s defense lasted two days and ended without him taking the stand. Prosecutors argued that Anthony’s actions were unjustified, while the defense maintained that he acted in self-defense.
The case attracted national attention and sparked discussions regarding the racial backgrounds of both teens. Anthony is Black, while Metcalf was white. None of the jurors were Black.
Several schools were participating in the track meet when Anthony sat under the Memorial High School tent in the bleachers. Witnesses testified that Metcalf and others repeatedly asked Anthony to leave, leading to an escalating confrontation.
According to a police report, Anthony at one point reached inside a bag and responded, “Touch me and see what happens.”
Witnesses stated that Metcalf pushed Anthony, after which Anthony produced an object that resulted in a critical chest injury to Metcalf. The two Frisco teenagers did not know each other prior to the incident.
The trial drew significant public interest, with long lines forming outside the courtroom as people hoped to secure seats in the gallery. Heavy security remained in place throughout the proceedings. On Tuesday, dozens gathered outside the Collin County courthouse in the heat awaiting the verdict. Emotional reactions followed the announcement, with one woman crying out, “This isn’t real!”
#karmeloanthony
