Who is Karmelo Anthony? Austin Metcalf stabbing suspect arrested

The halls of Frisco’s Memorial High School echoed with grief Thursday after 16-year-old Austin Metcalf was stabbed to death during a track and field event—a shocking act of violence that has left students, parents, and the community grappling with unimaginable loss.

What Happened?

The incident unfolded Wednesday morning at the school’s athletic complex on Stadium Lane. According to Frisco police, an argument between Austin and 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony escalated into a physical altercation, ending with Anthony allegedly stabbing the younger teen. First responders rushed to the scene by 10 a.m., performing CPR and administering blood in a desperate attempt to save Austin’s life. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after.

Karmelo Anthony, a Frisco resident, was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder. As of Thursday, no bond had been set, and the motive remains under investigation.

A Community Shattered

Austin, an 11th grader described by peers as a dedicated student and athlete, had been participating in the track event when the tragedy occurred. Memorial High Principal Brook Fesco sent a heartfelt letter to families Wednesday evening, announcing plans to address the loss during classes and provide counseling support.

“Tomorrow morning, we will acknowledge Austin’s death during second period,” Fesco wrote. “District and campus counselors will be available to help students process their grief.” She urged parents to lean into difficult conversations, adding, “Your guidance will be critical as we navigate this together.”

By Thursday, the school’s courtyard had transformed into a makeshift memorial, with flowers, handwritten notes, and track medals left in Austin’s honor. Students hugged tearfully, while others sat in stunned silence. “He didn’t deserve this,” one classmate told local media. “Austin was the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome.”

Questions Linger Amid Grief

Police have not disclosed what sparked the altercation but confirmed the stabbing occurred in a crowded area of the athletic facility. Investigators are reviewing witness accounts and surveillance footage, urging anyone with information to contact Frisco PD’s tip line.

The tragedy has reignited debates about school safety and conflict resolution. “How does something like this happen at a school event?” asked a parent outside the campus Thursday. “These kids are supposed to be protected here.”

A Call for Healing

As the legal process begins for Karmelo Anthony, the focus for many remains on Austin’s family and friends. A GoFundMe launched to cover funeral expenses surpassed its goal within hours, with donors leaving messages like, “Rest easy, sweet boy. Your light mattered.”

Memorial High plans to hold a vigil this weekend, inviting the community to “celebrate Austin’s life and support one another through this darkness.” For now, classrooms feel heavier, hallways quieter. As Fesco’s letter poignantly noted: “There are no words to make sense of such a loss. But we will face it together—as a family.”