Austin Metcalf Killed at Texas Track Event After Stabbing
A district championship track meet in Frisco, Texas turned tragic Wednesday when 17-year-old Austin Metcalf died after being stabbed during an altercation in the stands. Another 17-year-old student, Karmelo Anthony from Centennial High School, has been charged with murder in connection with the incident that has shocked the North Texas community.
The stabbing occurred around 10 a.m. at Frisco Independent School District’s Kuykendall Stadium during the University Interscholastic League’s District 11-5A championship track meet. According to WFAA, Metcalf, a junior linebacker at Memorial High School, was pronounced dead at a local hospital despite immediate lifesaving efforts by first responders.
In a particularly heartbreaking detail, Metcalf’s identical twin brother Hunter witnessed the attack and attempted to save his brother’s life. “I tried to whip around as fast as I could,” Hunter told reporters through tears. “I looked at my brother and I’m not going to talk about the rest. I tried to help him.”
Dispute Over Seating Led to Fatal Confrontation
Jeff Metcalf, the victim’s father, told The New York Post that the altercation began over a seating dispute. According to his account, Anthony was allegedly told he was sitting in the wrong seat before he drew a knife and stabbed Austin in the chest. “This is murder,” the grieving father stated, while also expressing forgiveness toward his son’s alleged killer.
Police have not officially confirmed details about what precipitated the violence, stating only that officers responded to “an altercation between two students” and that one student was stabbed by the other. Frisco school officials immediately secured the stadium and suspended the meet, sending students back to their respective campuses.
The suspect, Karmelo Anthony, is being held at Collin County Jail with no bond set. He has been charged with first-degree murder. According to social media accounts, Anthony played as a free safety on Centennial High School’s football team and had received scholarship offers from several smaller colleges.
Community Mourns Promising Student Athlete
Austin Metcalf was described by family members as an exceptional student and athlete with a bright future. With a 4.0 GPA and recent recognition as his team’s Most Valuable Player, he had attracted attention from college football programs and dreamed of playing at the collegiate level.
“My son is not here anymore, and I don’t understand it,” said Meghan Metcalf, Austin’s mother. “He was the most amazing kid. So smart. He had college football guys looking at him to play in college. His goal was to play in college.”
Hunter, born just four minutes after his twin brother, shared that despite their identical age, “I always looked up to him. He was a big brother even though we’re the same age.” He added, “As a linebacker, he was a stud, and I always tried to fill those shoes and play with him. I had a blast my whole life playing sports with him.”
The University Interscholastic League released a statement expressing their sorrow over the incident: “UIL is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that took place at the District 11-5A track meet on April 2 at Frisco ISD’s Kuykendall Stadium. UIL staff is in communication with district officials to provide support and assistance during this time. Our thoughts go out to those impacted.”
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the community quickly organized support for the family. A prayer vigil was held Wednesday evening at Hope Fellowship Church in Frisco, where Austin regularly attended youth group sessions. A fundraising campaign has also been established to assist the family with unexpected expenses.
The incident has affected students from multiple Frisco ISD high schools, with district officials sending information about the tragedy to parents and students from Memorial, Frisco, Centennial, Emerson, Heritage, Independence, Lebanon Trail, and Liberty high schools.
