Live updates: Karmelo Anthony murder trial begins year after fatal Frisco track meet stabbing

The murder trial for Karmelo Anthony is set to begin Monday morning. Anthony, 19, is accused of killing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf last year at a Frisco track meet. The case sparked a frenzy on social media and widespread interest in North Texas and across the country. 

Both families were harassed and targeted as misinformation and racism flooded social media. Austin was white. Anthony is Black. 

Journalists for The Dallas Morning News will provide a look at the case and post live updates from the trial at the Collin County courthouse in McKinney, where tight security is planned. 

Timeline: How the case against Karmelo Anthony unfolded

Dozens lined up outside the Collin County Courthouse early Monday morning in hopes of snagging a spot in the courtroom, where seating will be limited.

Nearby, McKinney pastor Lorenzo Henry and Joe Williams, of Aubrey, stood by a sign that read “Free Hugs and Prayer.” Gospel music played from a speaker.

“This is the final frontier where racism is still legal,” Henry said, gesturing to the courthouse. “With prayer we can change the hearts and minds of those in the court system.”

— Sarah Bahari and Lilly Kersh

Shortly before 8:30 a.m., about two dozen people were waiting on wooden benches outside the Nathan E. White Jr. Ceremonial Courtroom, tucked off to the side on the first floor of the Collin County courthouse. 

Three Collin County sheriffs stood near the door, where signs reiterated in bold red text that no electronic devices would be allowed inside. 

A handful of family members and supporters of Karmelo Anthony congregated near the entrance, wearing purple, his favorite color, in bandanas, T-shirts and bracelets.

— Jamie Landers

Lightning forced a weather delay the morning of April 2, 2025, at David Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, sending athletes to wait beneath tents. 

Witnesses said Anthony, a student at Centennial High School, took cover under a tent designated for a rival high school, Memorial. Metcalf, a Memorial student, told him to move, and Anthony replied, “Touch me and see what happens,” according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Metcalf touched him, and Anthony replied, “Punch me and see what happens.” The affidavit says Metcalf grabbed Anthony, who pulled a knife from his backpack and stabbed him once in the chest and ran. 

Related: The self-defense claim at the center of Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial

Metcalf died in the arms of his twin brother, Hunter. Anthony was arrested minutes later and told police through hysterical tears that he was defending himself.

Anthony is charged with murder. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

State District Judge John Roach Jr. imposed strict rules for the public and media. 

Seating in the courtroom will be limited. Only nine media representatives, including The News, will be allowed inside. Those reporters will be allowed in first each day, followed by designated family members and the public. No audio or video recording will be permitted.

Family members, attorneys and representatives for both teens are also under a gag order.

Related: In Karmelo Anthony’s track meet murder trial in McKinney, attendees will face strict rules

A court order said, “This case has generated substantial public and media attention and that unrestricted access or activity may compromise courtroom security, juror privacy, and the Defendant’s right to fair trial.”

Heightened security is expected inside and outside the Collin County courthouse in McKinney. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Online, chaos unraveled almost immediately. 

The hashtag “White Lives Matter” trended on social media. Far-right influencers used the case to advance a narrative of a growing threat against white people. Yuri Neves, who tracks online extremism for global violence prevention company Moonshot, said social media posts about the case last April caused the highest daily spike in threats against Black communities in an eight-month period. 

Related: Frisco stabbing unleashed a flood of online hate and misinformation

On the other end, some alleged online that Metcalf and his twin used racial slurs before the stabbing. Others mocked Austin’s death and said, without evidence, that he was a known bully. A fake autopsy circulated on social media saying Metcalf died of a drug overdose.

“This was a tragic and chaotic event,” Frisco Police Chief David Shilson said last month. “We had a lot of noise from outside agitators who wanted to turn this into something it was not.”

Austin’s family said he had a 4.0 GPA, was a member of the National Honor Society and was MVP of the football team at Frisco’s Memorial High School. He hoped to play college football and had already received some offers, Austin’s father, Jeff Metcalf, said in an interview last year at his Frisco home. 

Austin was older than his twin, Hunter, by only a few minutes but took the title and responsibility of a big brother with pride, the family said. The boys loved spending time outdoors and hunting. “We were one person,” Hunter said. “We did everything together, everything the same.”

Related: ‘We were one person’: Twin brother, dad remember Frisco teen fatally stabbed at track meet

Anthony was born in Baton Rouge, La., but his family later moved to Frisco for more opportunities. His father, Andrew Anthony, said his son was captain of both the football and track teams at Centennial High School, had two part-time jobs and was an A-student with college plans. He said Anthony is the eldest of four children and a “great big brother.”

At a news conference last year, Kala Hayes said the family’s lives were upended. “Our son deserves the same rights under the law that everyone is afforded,” she said. “He’s been raised in a two-parent home with structure, stability, love, and we put God first in everything we do.”

Related: Family of Frisco stabbing suspect ‘under attack’ with harassment, threats, mother says

In an emotional moment, Hunter Metcalf posthumously accepted his brother’s diploma last month from Memorial High School. 

Wearing black and gold, Hunter accepted his own diploma, then returned to the stage moments later. “Hunter Metcalf will accept the posthumous diploma on behalf of his brother, Austin Metcalf,” the announcer said as the crowd at Comerica Center in Frisco erupted into cheers and a standing ovation.

Related: Austin Metcalf’s twin brother accepts posthumous diploma at Frisco graduation