Texas DA Reveals Whether Teen Charged in Fatal Stabbing of 17-Year-Old Star Athlete Austin Metcalf Will Face Death Penalty

A violent act at a Texas high school has stirred legal questions as the district attorney publicly addresses the teen suspect's fate following the fatal incident.

The fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a track meet at Frisco High School's Kuykendall Stadium on April 2, 2025, has deeply affected the community. On April 9, Collin County District Attorney (DA) Greg Willis addressed questions about the legal process.

According to WFAA, Greg confirmed that 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, a student at Centennial High School, cannot face the death penalty, citing the U.S. Supreme Court's 2005 decision in Roper v. Simmons.

"The Supreme Court has said not only can you not seek the death penalty against someone who committed a crime when they're 17, you can't even get them life without parole. That would not be something we could do even if we wanted to," the DA explained.

Concerns have also been raised about whether the trial might be moved out of Collin County. Addressing that, Greg said, "Ultimately, that'll be a judge's decision to make at the time of trial, but, yes, this happened in Collin County. I want Collin County citizens to be able to decide this."

A bond hearing is scheduled for Monday morning, where Karmelo's attorneys are expected to request a reduction. Greg noted that the defense is likely to make that request but said the court will decide how it proceeds.

Frisco Independent School District (ISD) Superintendent Mike Waldrip urged unity in a letter to parents following the tragedy. "Now more than ever, we must lean on one another. In the face of adversity, we will continue to stand together, with compassion, strength, and unwavering support for our students and each other," he wrote.

The DA and Mike's statements come after Karmelo admitted to the crime. According to an arrest affidavit, when officers referred to him as the "alleged suspect," he responded with, "I'm not alleged, I did it."

The affidavit also described what happened before the stabbing. Karmelo had taken shelter under a pop-up tent belonging to another school when it began to rain.

When asked to move, he argued with Austin, a student from Memorial High School. A witness told police that Karmelo unzipped his bag, reached inside, and warned him, "Touch me and see what happens."

Moments later, Austin allegedly grabbed Karmelo, who then pulled out a black knife and stabbed him in the chest. A school resource officer from nearby Staley Middle School was the first to respond, but Austin did not survive.

In Karmelo's affidavit, he claimed that he acted in self-defense. He told an officer, "I was protecting myself," and "He put his hands on me."

He is currently being held in the Collin County Jail on a $1 million bond after being charged with murder. If convicted, he could face between 5 and 99 years in prison.

As previously reported, Austin was fatally stabbed during a high school track meet at Kuykendall Stadium on April 2. Police responded to the scene at around 10 a.m. after receiving reports of a stabbing incident involving two students during a confrontation.

According to Frisco Police, the incident resulted in serious injuries to Austin, who was initially reported as 16 years old. Emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures, including CPR and the administration of blood. Despite these efforts, he died at the scene.

Austin's father, Jeff Metcalf, shared that the altercation stemmed from the attacker being told he was in the wrong location. Jeff said his son did not know the student who had stabbed him.

His twin brother, Hunter, witnessed the incident and tried to save him. "They were twins, identical twins, and his brother was holding on to him, trying to make it stop bleeding, and he died in his brother's arms," Jeff said.

The devastated father further stated that he rushed to the stadium after hearing the news. He saw his son on a gurney, unresponsive, and described the extent of the injuries. "They said he wasn't breathing. I could see all the blood, and I saw where the wound was... 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 was a high-achieving student with a 4.0 GPA and served as the MVP of his school's football team. His father described him as a leader with plans to attend college. "He was on the right track," Jeff shared. "He was loved by many. He was a leader."

Jeff questioned the upbringing of the student who attacked his son. "I'm not trying to judge, but what kind of parents did this child have? What was he taught? He brought a knife to a track meet and he murdered my son by stabbing him in the heart."

Despite the tragedy, Jeff expressed forgiveness, "You know what, I already forgive this person. Already. God takes care of things. God is going to take care of me. God is going to take care of my family."

Frisco Police confirmed that the suspect, also 17 years old, has been arrested and charged with murder. As of Wednesday, the suspect's bond had not been set, and it remains unclear whether he has legal representation.

In an official statement, the Frisco Police Department said, "The Frisco Police Department grieves with all those affected by this devastating loss and extends its deepest condolences to the victim's family, students, and staff who are experiencing unimaginable pain."

The department added that it is working closely with the Frisco ISD to offer continued support.

The 11-5A championship district track meet, involving more than 100 students from eight schools, was immediately suspended following the incident. The stadium was secured, and all students returned to their campuses. No additional injuries were reported.

Authorities have not disclosed the exact location of the stadium where the stabbing occurred. However, officers were observed investigating a section of the stands near the track. Frisco Police stated that the investigation is ongoing.

As the investigation continues, the Metcalf family continues to receive an outpouring of support. At the time of writing, a GoFundMe campaign organized by Jeff has raised more than $324,000 toward its $330,000 goal, with over 6,000 donations.

In the post, Jeff remembered his son as a determined and passionate young man, "He was a bright young man with a great future ahead of him. He was a leader of men. His smile would light up the room… His commitment, dedication, leadership, and sheer grit made him rise to the level of success that he desired."

Jeff also noted that Austin's twin, Hunter, played football beside him and that the family would always remember how Austin impacted others' lives. "I love you forever, son. It's not goodbye, it's see you later. God will take care of us till we meet again. RIP. Love, Dad," he wrote.

Hunter also spoke publicly about the moment he tried to save his brother's life. "I tried to whip around as fast as I could," he told WFAA, tearfully recalling the incident. "I looked at my brother and I'm not going to talk about the rest. I tried to help him."

He said he held Austin until first responders arrived and began resuscitation efforts. "It was really senseless," Hunter added. "[Austin] did everything for our family. He was a strong man. He was a strong kid..."

Austin's death has left a lasting impact on his family, peers, and school community as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.