Defense Presents Self-Defense Evidence as Trial of Karmelo Anthony Continues

The murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, accused of stabbing fellow student Austin Metcalf, resumed Monday as the defense began presenting its self-defense argument. Prosecutors had rested their case on Saturday, and jurors heard medical testimony that Metcalf’s wound pierced his heart and was unsurvivable.

Defense witnesses included Anthony’s track coach, who said sharing tents at meets was common, and a Frisco Memorial student who testified that Metcalf grabbed Anthony before the stabbing, though he also acknowledged that Anthony helped provoke the encounter. Anthony did not testify.

Judge John Roach Jr. adjourned the court in the afternoon and indicated that closing arguments will start at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, after which the jury will deliberate. The judge warned jurors that the trial is nearing its end.

Outside the courthouse, local clergy and community members gathered to pray for both families, emphasizing the loss experienced by each side.

The case centers on whether Anthony’s use of deadly force met Texas law’s criteria for self-defense, which requires a reasonable belief of imminent danger and proportionality of force. If convicted, Anthony faces a sentence of five years to life in prison; the death penalty is not applicable because he was a minor at the time of the crime.