Karmelo Anthony Sentenced to 35 Years for Fatal Stabbing at Texas Track Meet — Then Files Surprise Appeal Claiming Indigence

Just one day after a Texas jury convicted him of murder and sentenced him to 35 years in prison, Karmelo Anthony has filed court documents that are raising new questions about his financial situation and the future of his case.

On June 9, 2026, the 19-year-old was found guilty in the April 2025 stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track and field meet in Frisco, Texas. Jurors rejected the defense’s self-defense argument and convicted Anthony of murder rather than the lesser charge of manslaughter. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison the same day.

The Incident That Sparked National Attention

The confrontation occurred at a track meet when, according to investigators, Austin Metcalf asked Karmelo Anthony to move from under a tent where he was sitting. Witnesses told police that Anthony responded with a warning: “Touch me and see what happens.” When Metcalf allegedly attempted to move him, Anthony pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest.

Anthony was arrested at the scene. He told responding officers that he had acted in self-defense. Throughout the trial, his defense team maintained that Anthony feared for his safety during the altercation. Prosecutors argued that the stabbing was not justified and presented evidence that Anthony had issued a threat before the physical contact occurred.

The case drew intense national attention, partly because of its racial dynamics. During jury selection, no Black jurors were seated on the panel. Prosecutors maintained that the selection process was race-neutral, but the issue became a point of public debate both inside and outside the courtroom.

The Surprising Court Filing

On June 10, 2026 — just one day after the verdict and sentencing — Anthony’s legal team filed a notice of appeal along with a request for the court to appoint an attorney to represent him on appeal. In the filing, Anthony is described as a “penniless, destitute, and indigent person, too poor to employ counsel.”

This request has drawn significant attention because of a high-profile fundraising campaign launched after his arrest. Supporters raised more than $615,000 through a GiveSendGo campaign to help cover his legal expenses. The fundraiser has since been removed from the platform. According to a statement from GiveSendGo, the funds were intended for pre-trial needs and were fully disbursed over the past year. With that purpose completed, the campaign was closed.

The contrast between the large sum previously raised and Anthony’s current claim of indigence has sparked fresh public discussion about the handling of the funds and what it means for his appeal.

What Happens Next

With the notice of appeal now filed, the case will move into the appellate process. Anthony’s legal team will likely argue issues related to the trial, including jury selection, the judge’s instructions, and whether the evidence supported a self-defense claim. The request for court-appointed counsel will be reviewed by the court.

The 35-year sentence is significant, but because Anthony was a juvenile at the time of the offense (17 years old), there may be additional legal considerations regarding sentencing and parole eligibility under Texas law.

For the family of Austin Metcalf, the verdict brought a measure of justice after more than a year of waiting. For Karmelo Anthony’s supporters, the conviction and the subsequent financial filing have only deepened divisions in an already highly polarized case.

A Case Far From Over

The stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in Frisco was a tragedy that touched two families and sparked difficult conversations across the country about self-defense, youth violence, race, and the justice system.

Now, with a 35-year prison sentence handed down and a surprise appeal filing claiming indigence, the legal battle is shifting from the trial court to the appellate courts. Questions about the fundraiser, the events of that day in April 2025, and whether Anthony will ultimately serve the full sentence remain unresolved.

For now, one thing is certain: this case is far from over.