Seventeen-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who faces charges in the fatal stabbing of high school athlete Austin Metcalf at a track event in Frisco, Texas earlier this month, has engaged a new defense attorney ahead of his initial court appearance.
Metcalf was fatally stabbed in the chest following a confrontation involving Anthony occupying an area designated for other students during the track meet at Kuykendall Stadium on April 2.
Reports from last week revealed that Metcalf, a promising athlete and aspiring football player, attended the event with his twin brother Hunter and approached Anthony to request he move from the tent assigned to Frisco Memorial High School students—while Anthony attends Centennial High School.
The two exchanged words—despite never having met before that day—before Anthony allegedly drew a knife from his backpack and stabbed Metcalf. Tragically, Metcalf died from his wounds in the arms of his twin brother.
Anthony was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder. He remains in Collin County Jail with bond set at $1 million. A controversial fundraiser supporting Anthony and his family, described as assisting “during this difficult time,” has raised over $400,000.
Before Anthony’s bond hearing scheduled for Monday, April 14, his family retained Dallas-based criminal defense attorney Mike Howard. Anthony’s previous lawyers, Billy Clark and Kim T. Cole, confirmed on Saturday to WFAA that they are no longer representing him. The Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), a nonprofit supporting Anthony, announced the attorney change.
“The family of Karmelo Anthony has officially appointed Attorney Mike Howard as lead counsel in Karmelo’s defense,” the organization stated.
“We appreciate the initial efforts of Attorneys Billy Clark and Kim Cole and are focused on assembling a strong legal team for the case ahead.
“Karmelo is entitled to the fair treatment and full legal rights every citizen deserves. We will continue to fight until he receives that,” the statement added.
According to reports, a private funeral service for Austin Metcalf took place Saturday morning at Hope Fellowship Frisco East Church, followed by a private burial.
Rest in peace, Austin Metcalf.
