Karmelo Anthony Indicted for First-Degree Murder in Austin Metaf Case
Frisco, TX – In a significant development we’ve been closely monitoring, Karmelo Anthony has now been formally indicted on the most severe charge possible: first-degree murder. This is a massive step forward in the pursuit of justice for 17-year-old Austin Metaf, whose violent loss at a school track meet earlier this spring in Frisco deeply shook our community. We admit, there was concern that a lesser charge might be brought, but Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis and the grand jury have delivered what many believe is the right outcome.
District Attorney Greg Willis announced today that a Collin County grand jury has indicted Karmelo Anthony for first-degree murder in connection with the tragic incident at a Frisco track meet. Our team has been presenting evidence to the grand jury for weeks, culminating in today’s summary by the District Attorney and the grand jury’s decision to return a first-degree murder indictment. This indictment formally moves the case into the court system.
For those asking, the indictment does not affect Karmelo Anthony’s bail status. As we’ve explained, the typical process involves the District Attorney recommending charges, followed by a grand jury reviewing the evidence to determine if the charges are appropriate, overstated, or if the case should be dismissed altogether. In this instance, after reviewing all available evidence, the grand jury handed down the strictest, most brutal charge they possibly could against Karmelo Anthony. To us, this strongly suggests there was no evidence of self-defense at all presented to the grand jury.
Austin Metaf’s passing has undeniably struck a deep nerve in Collin County and beyond, especially given that it occurred at a school event. While we strive for justice to be served expeditiously, we understand the justice system operates best with steadiness and principle. Court documents detailing the case are expected to be released within the next 24 hours, and we plan to provide an update as soon as they become available. The scheduling of the trial will now be determined by the court, though we suspect it might be pushed into next year.
Regarding the fundraiser money raised for Anthony’s legal defense, this indictment does not change anything about his GoFundMe. The funds were raised for his legal defense, and as far as we know, they remain available for that purpose. We also confirmed that Anthony, being 17 years old, is being charged as an adult.
While a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, and Karmelo Anthony will have his day in court, we have our strong opinions. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Anthony, who was a student at Frisco Memorial, was waiting out a weather delay in a tent when Metaf told him to move. Anthony allegedly reached into his bag, stating, “Touch me and see what happens”. The affidavit further states Metaf then touched him, to which Anthony replied, “Punch me and see what happens”. We believe he was literally goading him into an excuse to use that knife. The report indicates Metaf grabbed Anthony and told him to move, at which point Anthony pulled out a knife, ending Metaf’s life.
Karmelo Anthony’s lawyer issued a statement following the indictment, emphasizing that it is a routine procedural step and that the family is confident in the justice system and the people of Collin County to be fair and impartial. The lawyer suggests that a jury trial will allow the full story to be heard, including “critical facts and context that the grand jury simply didn’t get to hear”. They also stress that when self-defense is raised, the law places the burden on the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused did not act in self-defense.
However, from our perspective, there was no evidence of self-defense other than a mere statement. Anthony was in a place he shouldn’t have been, was asked to leave, and refused, purposefully escalating the situation. We do not believe there is any chance at all that this was a legitimate self-defense case.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Karmelo Anthony faces a sentence of up to life in prison. We will continue to cover this crucial case as it unfolds, providing updates as we receive trial dates or further significant developments. Make sure to follow our channels to stay updated on everything breaking.
