FRISCO, TX — A Town in Mourning and Outrage After 17-Year-Old Austin Metcalf Fatally Stabbed at Track Meet; $285K Raised for Accused Teen’s Defense Sparks Social Media Firestorm

The city of Frisco, Texas, is reeling in grief and disbelief after the tragic and senseless killing of 17-year-old high school athlete Austin Metcalf, who was stabbed to death in broad daylight during a high school track meet. The shocking incident, which took place in front of teammates, coaches, and spectators, has not only shaken the community to its core, but ignited fierce debate nationwide after a wave of donations began pouring in for the accused killer’s legal defense.

The accused, 18-year-old Karmelo Anthony—not to be confused with the former NBA star—was taken into custody at the scene. Witnesses say an argument erupted between the two teenagers over the use of a tent during the event. What started as a verbal dispute quickly escalated into a fatal act of violence. According to police, Anthony pulled out a knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest. Despite rapid response from on-site medical personnel, Austin succumbed to his injuries on the field, bleeding out in front of stunned teammates and coaches.

“It was chaos,” said a student who witnessed the event. “No one could believe what was happening. One moment they were arguing, the next… Austin was on the ground.”

Authorities charged Anthony with first-degree murder. Yet just days later, he was released on a $1 million bond, sparking immediate outrage among community members and online observers. Adding fuel to the fire, a crowdfunding campaign organized on behalf of Anthony’s legal defense has raised over $285,000, triggering emotional and political backlash on social media.

“I cannot understand how a confessed killer walks free and gets rewarded with donations,” said Sandra Metcalf, Austin’s mother, at a candlelight vigil held Sunday night. “My son is gone. He’ll never go to prom, never graduate, never chase his dreams. And yet people are sending money to defend the one who took him from us.”

The Metcalf family, supported by classmates and parents from Frisco High School, has called for systemic change in how juvenile violence is handled in school settings and the criminal justice system. They are urging state lawmakers to examine pretrial release guidelines, especially in cases involving violent crimes committed in public venues.

Meanwhile, Anthony’s family has described the situation as “tragic for both sides,” insisting that the event was not premeditated and pointing to possible mental health challenges the teen may have been facing. “Karmelo didn’t wake up planning to hurt anyone,” said a relative, asking for understanding amid the backlash. “We’re praying for Austin’s family too.”

But for many in Frisco, the fact that Anthony is out of custody while Austin lies in a casket is almost too much to bear. The school district has dispatched grief counselors to support students grappling with the trauma, and a memorial wall of photos, messages, and running shoes has grown outside the school stadium.

Austin Metcalf was remembered as a bright, funny, and determined young man with a deep love for track, his teammates, and his family. Friends say he was the kind of person who made others feel included and encouraged even the slowest runner to keep going. He dreamed of earning a scholarship and becoming a coach one day.

“He had such a big heart,” said his coach through tears. “He wasn’t just a teammate—he was the soul of our team.”

Now, with the case pending, the courtroom is poised to become the next battleground in this tragic story. Prosecutors say they have multiple eyewitnesses, a confession, and the weapon recovered on scene. Anthony’s defense team, buoyed by the donation influx, is expected to argue self-defense, though details remain scarce.

The case has polarized public opinion, with hashtags like #JusticeForAustin and #FreeKarmelo trending in parallel. Commenters argue about everything from the ethics of crowdfunding for accused criminals, to racial bias in the justice system, to how schools can prevent such violence in the future.

But for the Metcalf family, the focus remains heartbreakingly simple: honoring a life stolen far too soon.

“He should be picking out his cap and gown,” said Austin’s sister at his vigil. “Instead, we’re picking out a headstone.”

A memorial service for Austin Metcalf will be held this Saturday at Frisco Community Church. The family is requesting donations be made to youth violence prevention programs in his memory.
To support the Metcalfs or share a tribute, visit: StandWithAustin.org

Let Austin’s memory be more than a headline. Let it be the beginning of change.