The murder trial of Karmelo Anthony moved closer to a verdict Tuesday as jurors heard closing arguments centered on whether the fatal stabbing of Texas teenager Austin Metcalf was an act of murder or self-defense.
According to the New York Post, Anthony, 19, is accused of killing Metcalf, 17, during an altercation at a track and field meet in Frisco on April 2, 2025.
Prosecutors allege Anthony stabbed Metcalf after a dispute inside a stadium tent being used by Metcalf’s team.
As the trial entered its final stage, Anthony’s attorney argued that Metcalf helped trigger the confrontation by attempting to physically remove his client from the tent.
“Austin Metcalf had no legal right to use force to eject Karmelo Anthony from that tent,” defense lawyer Mike Howard told jurors during closing arguments.
“He had the right to ask him to leave, but he didn’t have any legal right to use force,” Howard said, according to the Daily Mail.
The defense has maintained throughout the trial that Anthony acted in self-defense during the encounter. Anthony has pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder.
Jurors listened as Howard laid out the defense’s argument while Anthony watched from the courtroom.
The case stems from a confrontation between students from rival schools during a track meet held at a Frisco stadium. Authorities allege the dispute escalated after Metcalf asked Anthony to leave the area being used by his team.
Anthony’s legal team has sought to convince jurors that his actions were justified under Texas self-defense laws.
Before the start of closing arguments Tuesday, members of Anthony’s family gathered in the courtroom and formed a prayer circle, holding hands as they awaited the final phase of the trial.
The emotional moment came as the case neared a conclusion that could determine Anthony’s future.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Anthony could face a sentence of up to life in prison.
With closing arguments now underway, the trial is expected to move into jury deliberations as jurors weigh competing claims about what happened during the confrontation that ended in Metcalf’s death.
