Karmelo Anthony trial hit by huge curveball that could see teenage killer get far lighter sentence
The judge overseeing Karmelo Anthony‘s murder trial confirmed a new charge option that could see the teen killer get off lightly for fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf.
On Tuesday morning, defense lawyers asked the court to consider adding criminally negligent homicide to charging documents as well as manslaughter in addition to first degree murder. Manslaughter was confirmed.
Unlike murder, neither manslaughter nor criminally negligent homicide requires prosecutors to prove that a defendant intended to kill. Under Texas law, a murder conviction requires proof that a defendant intended to cause death or serious bodily injury.
A first-degree murder conviction could see Anthony locked away for life, whereas the lesser charge carries a maximum of twenty years.
Anthony, who was 17 at the time, killed Metcalf with a folding knife following a dispute over seating at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025.
Anthony has admitted to stabbing the high school football star, but insisted it was in self-defense after Metcalf had provoked him. The 19-year-old opted not to take the stand in his trial before defense lawyers rested their case.
Following final words from each side, the jury will be sequestered, meaning they will be isolated from the outside world and cut off from communication and media access while they make a decision on the teen killer’s fate.
Security increased around courthouse as possible verdict looms
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