Karmelo Anthony found guilty of murder and sentenced to 35 years
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Karmelo Anthony, 19, was found guilty of murder by a Collin County, Texas jury for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf last year and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
- The trial, lasting one week, drew national attention due to racial dynamics: Anthony is Black, Austin was white, and the 12 jurors selected were all non-Black.
- The incident occurred during a high school track meet when Anthony sought shelter under the opposing team's tent during a rain shower, leading to a confrontation and stabbing.
- Anthony’s defense argued self-defense citing a physical size disadvantage and fear, while prosecutors described the stabbing as a "sneak, surprise attack" and presented evidence that the attack was one-on-one.
- Austin’s twin brother attended the courtroom during the verdict reading for the first time, and emotional reactions were noted from both families as the guilty verdict was announced.