Daijiworld Media Network - Texas
Texas, Jun 6: The murder trial of Texas teenager Karmelo Anthony, accused of fatally stabbing fellow student Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet, began on Thursday with prosecutors and defence lawyers presenting sharply different versions of the incident.
Anthony, 19, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder in connection with the April 2025 stabbing at a track meet in Frisco, a suburb of Dallas.
The defence argued that Anthony acted in self-defence amid what it described as a moment of fear and confusion. His attorney, Mike Howard, told jurors that Anthony used the knife only once before fleeing the scene and later discarding the weapon.
Prosecutors, however, rejected the self-defence claim, contending that the stabbing was an unjustified act of violence. They alleged that Anthony attempted to cover his tracks after the incident and maintained that the evidence does not support his version of events.
The case has attracted nationwide attention, partly because of discussions surrounding race, with Anthony being Black and Metcalf white. Prosecutors insisted that the trial is solely about the circumstances of the killing and not race.
During opening arguments, prosecutors recalled Metcalf’s final words after the attack: “I’ve been stabbed.” The 17-year-old later died from a chest wound despite efforts to save him.
Metcalf, described by family members as a talented student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA and college aspirations, died in the arms of his twin brother shortly after the incident.
The trial’s first witnesses included a video analyst who reviewed security footage from the venue and a school coach who was present at the event.
A jury comprising 11 women and seven men has been selected. Civil rights organisation Next Generation Action Network criticised the absence of Black jurors on the panel, raising concerns over the jury selection process.
Under Texas law, Anthony is being tried as an adult. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence ranging from five years to life.
Anthony was released on a USD 250,000 bond and has remained under house arrest while awaiting trial. The proceedings are expected to continue in the coming days as both sides present evidence and witness testimony.