As the trial approaches, both families and court officials are bracing for a tense and emotional courtroom battle.
FRISCO, Texas — A trial date has been set in the high-profile murder case against 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, the former Frisco Centennial High School student accused of fatally stabbing fellow teen Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet.
The trial is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026, in Collin County District Court, with Judge John Roach assigned to the case. The case, which drew national attention, stems from a deadly confrontation on April 2 at Kuykendall Stadium involving students from two Frisco ISD high schools.
In late June, Anthony was indicted on a murder charge by a grand jury. Prosecutors allege that he intentionally stabbed Metcalf, a student-athlete at Frisco Memorial High School, during a dispute at the track meet. Anthony’s legal team has argued that the stabbing was an act of self-defense.
Anthony, who was arrested shortly after the incident, was released from jail after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000. Under his bond conditions, Anthony is required to wear an ankle monitor and ask permission to leave his home. If Anthony violates any conditions of his bond, he will have to return to jail.
One of the central legal questions will be whether Anthony acted in self-defense. The defense, led by attorney Mike Howard, has laid the groundwork for the argument.
Todd Shapiro of the Shapiro Law Firm told WFAA that if the defense claims self-defense, the prosecution must address it and disprove it. In Texas, self-defense, encompassing both the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground, allows individuals to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves or others from imminent harm.
Before the trial begins, there will be hearings and motions, and a plea deal is still possible. As the trial approaches, both families and court officials are bracing for a tense and emotional courtroom battle.