A Texas family is mourning the death of a 17-year-old student who was fatally stabbed during a track meet after an apparent dispute over seating.
Austin Metcalf, 17, was stabbed in the heart Wednesday at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco while attending a championship track and field meet. Police said Metcalf got into an altercation with Karmelo Anthony, 17, who sat under a tent designated for Memorial High School.
Metcalf was a junior football star at Memorial, while Anthony attended Centennial High School, according to WFAA. An affidavit stated that after Anthony reached into his bag upon being told he was sitting in the wrong area.
A witness reported hearing him say, “Touch me and see what happens.”
The witness told police that Metcalf then touched Anthony, who then encouraged Metcalf to punch him. Metcalf reportedly tried to grab Anthony to make him move. That’s when Anthony pulled a black knife from his bag and stabbed Metcalf in the chest before fleeing, the witness said.
Another witness gave a similar account, according to the affidavit.
When officers confronted Anthony, he told them, “I was protecting myself,” and said Metcalf “put his hand on [him].” When referred to as the alleged suspect, Anthony responded, “I’m not alleged. I did it.”
Metcalf’s identical twin brother, Hunter, witnessed the stabbing and tried to save him.
Their father, Jeff Metcalf, told The New York Post, “His brother was holding on to him, trying to make it stop bleeding, and he died in his brother’s arms.”
Jeff Metcalf said he rushed his son to the hospital.
“I could see all the blood, and I saw where the wound was,” he said. “We prayed, and it’s God’s plan. I don’t understand it, but they weren’t able to save him. This is murder.”
Austin Metcalf had a 4.0 GPA and was named “Most Valuable Player” of his football team. He had hoped to play college football and had interest from multiple schools.
“He was a bright young man with a great future ahead of him,” Jeff Metcalf said. “He was a leader of men. His smile would light up the room. His passion for football was unbelievable. We will all remember him for the way he impacted others’ lives.”
Anthony also played football and had offers from Division III colleges, according to social media. His father said Anthony worked two jobs and had a 3.7 GPA.
“He was not the aggressor. He was not the one who started it,” Anthony’s father said. “Everyone has already made their assumptions about my son, but he’s not what they’re making him out to be.”
He added, “I feel bad for the other parents and family, and words can’t explain how both families have been affected by this tragedy.”
Despite the loss, Jeff Metcalf expressed forgiveness. “You know what, I already forgive this person. Already,” he said. “God takes care of things. God is going to take care of me. God is going to take care of my family.”
Authorities arrested Anthony, who is being held at the Collin County Jail. He faces a first-degree murder charge and is being held on $1 million bail.
[Feature Photo: Austin Metcalf/Memorial High School]
