Teen Charged In Texas Track Meet Stabbing Released After Bond Cut To $250K

A Texas teenager charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of another student during a high school track meet has been released from jail after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000.

Karmelo Anthony, 17, a student at Frisco Centennial High School, was arrested on April 2 after allegedly stabbing fellow student Austin Metcalf, also 17, during a confrontation in the bleachers at David Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco. The altercation happened during a multi-school track and field championship.

Metcalf, an 11th grader at Frisco Memorial High School, died from a stab wound to the chest.

Anthony told police he was acting in self-defense after Metcalf grabbed him. According to the arrest report, the dispute began when Metcalf asked Anthony to move out from under his school’s tent.

A witness said Anthony reached into his bag and warned, “Touch me and see what happens.”

When Metcalf made contact, Anthony allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed him once before running away.

Police say Anthony later admitted to the stabbing and claimed it was to protect himself.

During a bond hearing on Monday, a Collin County judge lowered Anthony’s bond, citing his age, clean criminal record, and strong community ties. His new conditions include house arrest, round-the-clock supervision by a parent or designated adult, and no contact with the victim’s family.

Anthony is also required to get court approval before leaving home and must check in weekly with a court officer.

The teen’s release was aided by funds raised through GiveSendGo, which had collected more than $400,000 as of Monday. However, the family testified they had not yet received access to the funds.

The Dallas-based Next Generation Action Network, which is supporting Anthony, said the reduced bond “gives Karmelo and his family a much-needed window of relief.”

The case is expected to move forward in a higher court in the coming weeks.