Karmelo Anthony won’t face the death penalty in the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Austin Metcalf, and the alleged victim’s father is struggling to find peace with that decision.
Anthony, 17, stands accused of fatally stabbing Metcalf during a high school track meet on April 2. Prosecutors formally indicted him Tuesday for first-degree murder. While the charge is severe, law enforcement sources told TMZ Sports that capital punishment is off the table, not only because the state isn’t pursuing it, but also because Anthony is legally too young for that sentence under current law.
Victim’s Father Speaks Out On Legal Limits
Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father, didn’t mince words when asked how he felt about the legal limit sparing Anthony from the death penalty.
“I would have 100 percent supported it if he was 18,” Jeff told TMZ Sports. He paused when asked if he’d feel the same regardless of Anthony’s age. “Doesn’t matter what I think. Nothing will bring my son back.”
Under Texas law, individuals under 18 at the time of a crime cannot receive the death penalty. That detail draws a hard legal line that Jeff believes cuts painfully close. “It’s the law unfortunately,” he said. “If it would have happened six weeks later, he would have been 18. Then it’s a different ball game. We have to play the cards we are dealt.”
Despite the emotional weight of the case, Jeff said he finds some relief in the progress. “I’m pleased the case is moving forward,” he added.
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If convicted, Anthony now faces life in prison. His defense attorney, Mike Howard, addressed the indictment in a video statement Tuesday. Howard claimed the teen acted in self-defense and expressed confidence that the jury would ultimately “reach the right conclusion and justice will be done.”
The case, which rocked the Texas high school sports community, continues to draw close attention as it moves through the court system. Both families, one seeking justice, the other fighting for freedom, now await what comes next.
Also Read: Prosecutors Make Final Decision On Death Sentence For Karmelo Anthony
