A Texas jury has found Karmelo Anthony guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of fellow student-athlete Austin Metcalf, bringing a closely watched trial to a dramatic conclusion after about three hours of deliberations.

Anthony, now 19, was convicted over the April 2025 killing of Metcalf, 17, during a confrontation at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas. Jurors unanimously agreed that Anthony was guilty of murder and will now determine his punishment, which could range from five years to 99 years behind bars.

The courtroom grew emotional as the verdict was read. According to reporters inside the room, Anthony broke down in tears before being escorted out. His mother, Kala Hayes, was seen sobbing in the gallery as the decision was announced.

Because Anthony was a minor at the time of the stabbing, prosecutors could not seek the death penalty.

The defense made an emotional final push before deliberations, calling only one witness — Anthony’s mother. Fighting back tears, Hayes told jurors that her son was “very sorry” for what happened and pleaded for mercy.

Judge John Roach Jr. had instructed jurors that they could consider the lesser charge of manslaughter, but the panel ultimately sided with prosecutors and convicted Anthony of first-degree murder.

The case has drawn national attention since the deadly encounter at Kuykendall Stadium. Investigators said Anthony and Metcalf attended different high schools and did not know each other before the incident.

Authorities said an altercation broke out near a team tent during the track meet before Anthony stabbed Metcalf in the chest. The teenager was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries.

Throughout the trial, Anthony’s attorneys argued that he acted in self-defense, claiming he believed he faced an immediate threat when confronted by Metcalf. The defense relied heavily on Texas self-defense laws, which do not require a person to retreat if they reasonably believe they are in danger of bodily harm.

One of the trial’s most emotional moments came when Robert Starr, an assistant football coach at Frisco Memorial High School, described finding Metcalf gravely wounded on the ground.

Holding back tears, Starr testified that he rushed toward a commotion near the school’s tent area and found Metcalf with “a big hole in his chest” and his “face purple.”

“I just knew Austin was gone,” Starr told jurors.

The coach also recalled seeing Austin’s twin brother, Hunter Metcalf, desperately pleading for help.

“Do something,” Hunter reportedly screamed while pointing toward Anthony.

Starr said he briefly spoke with Anthony after the stabbing.

“I asked him. He said, ‘He put his hands on me,’” Starr testified. “Anthony was hysterical.”

The coach then rushed to Hunter’s side.

“I jumped the gate and I went to Hunter, and he was hysterical. I just knelt down and I prayed with him.”

Several people in the courtroom, including Austin’s father Jeff Metcalf, were seen crying as Starr recounted the tragedy.

Outside the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, tensions remained high as supporters of both sides gathered while awaiting the verdict. Witnesses reported shouting matches before and after the decision was announced.

One man repeatedly chanted, “Peace, love, unity and respect” from behind a barricade guarded by sheriff’s deputies. After the verdict, he was heard shouting, “I accept.”

Others held signs supporting opposing views, including “Justice 4 Austin” and “Self-defense is not a crime,” reflecting the deep divisions the case has sparked across the country.

With Anthony now convicted of first-degree murder, the focus shifts to sentencing, where jurors will decide how many years he will spend in prison for the killing of Austin Metcalf.