A teenager involved in the tragic incident with high school student Austin Metcalf at a track meet has claimed it was an act of self-defense. The 17-year-old openly confessed, stating, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” maintaining his stance of self-protection in a heated situation. Despite differing witness accounts, he asserts he acted out of necessity to protect himself.
On the early morning of April 2, twin brothers Hunter and Austin Metcalf were participating in a track meet at the David Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Both juniors at Memorial High School, the brothers shared a deep bond, often seen as one by those around them. The day was a usual one for the Metcalf twins, with Austin competing in his favored discus and shot-put events.
Hunter Metcalf reflected on their inseparable connection, sharing, “We did everything together. You name anything in the world, it’s always us two. We were always basically one person.” He was present alongside Austin when the fateful incident occurred during the championship competition.
While the brothers were in their school’s tent, another student identified as Karmelo Anthony, decided to enter. Hunter recounts that they asked him to leave the area, to which Karmelo reacted negatively. The situation escalated when his brother Austin stepped in, leading to a tense exchange.
‘I Tried to Help Him’
According to Hunter, the conflict took a critical turn when Karmelo reached into his backpack, retrieving a knife, and inflicted a single, fatal stab to Austin’s chest before fleeing. Despite Hunter’s frantic efforts to help his brother and stop the bleeding, the scene turned tragic.
Recalling the heartbreaking moments, Hunter shared, “I tried to whip around as fast as I could. I didn’t see the stab… but then I looked at my brother… and I’m not going to talk about the rest. I tried to help him.” Medical responders arrived and attempted resuscitation, but Austin succumbed to his injuries in his brother’s arms.
Jeff Metcalf, the twins’ father, expressed his grief to NBC, saying, “They were twins, identical twins, and his brother was holding on to him, trying to make it stop bleeding.” Despite emergency efforts, Austin sadly passed away, leaving Hunter to grapple with the loss.
Hunter shares his thoughts on the incident, revealing the profound impact on him. “I saw him for his last moments… he knew how much I loved him. I don’t know why someone would do that to someone just over that little argument,” Hunter expressed, bewildered by the severity of the incident.
‘I’m Not Alleged, I Did It’
Witness accounts suggest that Karmelo was confronted by Austin with the words, “touch me and see what happens,” escalating to Karmelo allegedly producing a black knife and delivering the deadly stab before fleeing. He discarded the knife, later found in the bleachers, while Austin gripped his chest and Hunter attempted to assist him.
The police report, documented by ABC, includes testimonies from over 30 witnesses, encompassing students and coaches who observed the incident.
‘Protecting Myself’
Upon police arrival, Karmelo reportedly articulated self-defense, stating, “I was protecting myself.” As officers escorted him, he alleged that Austin had physically engaged him, questioning his actions under the guise of self-defense. Clearly expressing responsibility, Karmelo reiterated, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” displaying fresh blood on his hand when apprehended.
Feeling remorseful, Karmelo inquired if Austin would be “OK,” reflecting a sense of regret over the situation.
Buried a Dagger
The surrounding community remains divided as Karmelo’s family advocates for him, describing him as an exemplary student and athlete. “A 4.0 student. A football team captain. A leader, a protector, a role model,” writes Kevin Hayes in a viral post, painting Karmelo as a well-regarded figure unfairly incarcerated for self-defense actions.
Supporters argue Karmelo was defending himself against bullying, while others challenge the justification of carrying a weapon and the resultant fatality. The incident has sparked a debate over self-defense claims, with critics questioning the necessity of force used.
Comments online highlight differing views, with some emphasizing the tragedy of a life lost, while others focus on why such an altercation led to fatal violence. “Why did he have a weapon in the first place? If he feared his safety, did he notify authorities? Nobody needed to die!” remarked one user, resonating with the sentiments of prevention over reaction.
Karmelo Anthony, residing in Frisco, Texas, faces a murder charge, categorized as a 1st Degree Felony, with his bail set at $1,000,000. This case has opened a dialogue on conflict resolution and the potential consequences of escalating minor disputes.
The community remains engaged in discussions about this heartbreaking event, inviting shared perspectives on the matter. What are your thoughts on this tragic narrative? Reflecting on the words of the online community, it’s clear that resorting to violence, especially to such a severe degree, leaves lasting consequences.
