In a case that has shocked the Texas community, Karmelo Anthony’s legal team is preparing to argue that the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a track meet was an act of self-defense. The defense strategy hinges on demonstrating that Anthony felt genuinely threatened and responded defensively rather than with malicious intent. What evidence will Anthony’s defense team present to support their self-defense claim?
Defense Strategy Takes Shape
Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old charged with murder in the death of Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet, is building his legal defense around a claim of self-protection. His attorney, Deric Walpole, has stated that he sees no reason to doubt his client’s self-defense assertion at this time.
The fatal incident occurred during a rain delay when Metcalf reportedly asked Anthony to move from under a tent, leading to a confrontation that ended tragically. According to accounts, Anthony allegedly warned Metcalf before ultimately stabbing him in the chest with a knife after Metcalf grabbed him.
The blind tribalism in the black community must end.
The same people who sought to make George Floyd a hero are now trying to make Karmelo Anthony – a murderer – a victim.
My prayers are with the family of Austin Metcalf. pic.twitter.com/9dv4cz4Xua
— CJ Pearson (@thecjpearson) April 5, 2025
Bond Reduction Efforts Underway
Walpole has announced plans to request a bond reduction for Anthony, who is currently held on a seven-figure bond in Collin County Jail. The defense team believes the $1 million bond amount is excessive considering the self-defense aspects of the case.
“I know that my client said it was self-defense. 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 before I make any statements about what I think happened,” Walpole stated. A lower bond would significantly increase Anthony’s chances of pretrial release while his case moves through the legal system.
Fundraiser for the thug, Karmelo Anthony (17), who admitted to k*lling Austin Metcalf, has now reached almost $150K.
This is an atrocity. The people donating to Karmelo truly have no shame.
He needs to be tried as an adult and sentenced to life. pic.twitter.com/ViaN7yu0xC
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) April 7, 2025
Heartbreaking Aftermath
The tragedy has deeply affected the Metcalf family, particularly Austin’s twin brother Hunter, who witnessed the stabbing and attempted to save his brother’s life. In a heart-wrenching statement, Hunter described the traumatic moment: “I put my hand on his chest, tried to make the bleeding stop, and I grabbed his head and I looked in his eyes.
Anthony has reportedly admitted to the stabbing but maintains it was in self-defense after Metcalf put his hands on him. The case highlights complex questions about what constitutes reasonable force in self-defense situations, especially among teenagers at school events.