Jeff Metcalf, father of 17-year-old track and football star Austin Metcalf, has chosen forgiveness after his son was fatally stabbed by another teen at a high school track meet in Texas.
Austin was killed during an altercation on April 2 at a school district track event at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
In an interview with NBC5 in Dallas/Fort Worth, Jeff Metcalf recounted the events that led to his son’s tragic death and questioned how a minor disagreement could escalate into such violence.
“He brought a knife to a track meet, and he murdered my son by stabbing him in the heart,” Metcalf said. “The guy was in the wrong place, and they asked him to move, and he blew up.”
Despite his heartbreak, Metcalf said,
“You know what, I already forgive this person. Already. God takes care of things. God is going to take care of me. God is going to take care of my family.”
Austin, a junior at Memorial High School in Frisco, excelled both academically and athletically. He was a straight-A student and the MVP of the football team. He shared an especially close bond with his twin brother, Hunter.
“They were twins, identical twins, and his brother was holding on to him, trying to make it stop bleeding, and he died in his brother’s arms,” Jeff shared. “I rushed up there and I saw him on the gurney… I could see all the blood, and I saw where the wound was… we rushed to the hospital. We prayed. It’s God’s plan—I don’t understand it—but they weren’t able to save him. This is murder.”
Frisco police confirmed that 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, a student at Centennial High School, has been arrested and charged with Austin’s murder. His bond is set at $1 million.
Anthony’s attorney, Deric Walpole, stated that Anthony acted in self-defense and has requested a bond reduction.
“I know that my client said it was self-defense,” Walpole told NBC5. “I don’t have any reason to disbelieve that… but I need to develop facts, talk to people, and figure out what’s going on.”
NBC5 obtained the arrest report, which noted that about 40 student-athletes and some coaches witnessed the incident.
According to witnesses, Metcalf asked Anthony to move from Memorial’s pop-up tent during heavy rain. Other teams reportedly had their own tents.
Anthony allegedly responded, “Touch me and see what happens,” and when Metcalf pushed him, Anthony pulled a black knife from his bag, stabbed him, and fled.
Anthony admitted to police that he stabbed Metcalf, claiming self-defense because
“he put his hands on me.”
Jeff Metcalf has launched a GoFundMe to support the family, which has raised nearly $255,000 of its $270,000 goal.
“We will all remember him for the way he impacted others’ lives,” Jeff wrote on the page. “I love you forever, son. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. God will take care of us till we meet again. RIP.”
Austin’s mother, Meghan Metcalf, and his brother, Hunter, also shared a heartfelt message through NBC5:
“My son and I are profoundly thankful for the overwhelming support, prayers, and love we have received. Tragedies inevitably raise questions that remain unanswered. We will entrust the detectives handling the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Austin’s passing, while our family, Hunter, and I prioritize commemorating and honoring Austin. We extend our gratitude to everyone who has supported us in numerous ways and helped sustain our family during this difficult time.”
A memorial service for Austin Metcalf is scheduled for Saturday, April 12th at 10 a.m. at Hope Fellowship Frisco East, 9950 Rolater Rd., Frisco, Texas, 75035.
