Karmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old accused of fatally stabbing another teenager at a track meet earlier this year, will not face the death penalty.
This decision came after he was formally charged with first-degree murder. The reason he cannot receive the death penalty is largely due to laws that prevent it from being applied to someone as young as Anthony, who was 17 at the time of the alleged crime.
Prosecutors also chose not to seek the death penalty in this case. Instead, if convicted, Anthony could be sentenced to anywhere between five and 99 years in prison or even life behind bars. The father of the victim, Austin Metcalf, shared his thoughts on the legal process. He said he would have fully supported the death penalty if Anthony had been 18 when the incident happened.
However, when TMZ asked how he felt about Anthony not getting the death penalty due to being underage, the father responded, “Doesn’t matter what I think. Nothing will bring my son back.” “It’s the law unfortunately. If it would have happened 6 weeks later, he would have been 18. Then it’s a different ball game. We have to play the cards we are dealt.”
Karmelo Anthony avoided the death penalty by two months
While he acknowledged that the law prevents capital punishment for someone Anthony’s age, he did not say whether he would support the death penalty in general, regardless of the accused’s age. He explained that his personal opinion would not change the tragic outcome. He also noted the unfortunate timing, saying that if the incident had occurred about six weeks later, Anthony would have turned 18, which would have made the legal situation very different.
Despite these thoughts, Austin Metcalf’s father expressed relief that the case is moving forward in the justice system, saying he believes justice will eventually be served for his son. Karmelo Anthony was formally charged with first-degree murder about 83 days after the incident at a Frisco Independent School District track meet. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced the indictment, mentioning how deeply the community was affected by the violent death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
Karmelo Anthony, 17, won’t face the death penalty for the alleged first-degree murder of Austin Metcalf at a track meet. The victim’s father expressed frustration, noting he would support harsher penalties were Anthony older. pic.twitter.com/1gZQAYU9eb
— Nyra Kraal (@NyraKraal) June 25, 2025
Some have dubbed this case similar to Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted, so Anthony may end up being free. However, the District Attorney’s office had been presenting evidence to a grand jury to secure the indictment. Karmelo Anthony’s defense attorney, Mike Howard, called the indictment a normal and expected step in the legal process. He said Anthony is looking forward to his day in court, where he believes a jury will hear the full story, including important facts and context the grand jury reportedly did not consider.
