Latest news with #FriscoMemorialHighSchool
CBS News
14-05-2025
- CBS News
Austin Metcalf's father seeks answers after learning Karmelo Anthony may still graduate high school
The father of a Frisco teen fatally stabbed during an April track meet is demanding answers after learning his son's accused killer will graduate high school — despite facing a murder charge. Tuesday night, an advocacy group announced that Karmelo Anthony, the teen accused of fatally stabbing Frisco Memorial High School athlete Austin Metcalf during a track meet in early April, will get his diploma. Dallas-based advocacy group announced Karmelo Anthony will receive diploma According to Next Generation Action Network, Anthony will not be allowed to participate in senior graduation activities. However, the organization said his 3.7 GPA and completion of all graduation requirements mean he can graduate without attending the final month and a half of the academic year. "We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted," said Minister Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN. "As the largest social justice organization in North Texas, NGAN has worked diligently alongside the Anthony family's legal team to bring about this fair and student-focused resolution. This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right." In response to a request for comment, a Frisco ISD spokesperson said the district cannot discuss individual student records due to privacy laws. The district also shared a letter that Superintendent Mike Waldrip sent to the Centennial High School community, which criticized "needless fear-mongering, attention-seeking, and media vitriol" surrounding the school's upcoming graduation. The letter also said that "no student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony." Title V felonies include homicide, kidnapping and sexual assault. "Frisco ISD does not condone violence or crime in our schools or at our events and will not reward or celebrate those who hurt others. We work to ensure every student is safe to learn and feels part of our culture of respect, honor, and integrity," the letter said. Austin Metcalf's father wants answers from Frisco ISD superintendent The news sent Austin Metcalf's father on a mission to confront the Frisco ISD superintendent. Jeff Metcalf said he just wants answers, but when he arrived at Frisco ISD's administration building, he was told he would not be let in without an appointment. The father of Austin Metcalf wanted to hear directly from Frisco ISD Superintendent Mike Waldrip what he heard from media reports on Tuesday regarding Anthony's graduation. "I've been stonewalled. Sad, you know, I understand the protocol," Jeff Metcalf said. "They said I have to make an appointment, which I did." The day of the track meet fatal Frisco stabbing According to authorities, the altercation between Anthony and Austin Metcalf occurred when Austin Metcalf confronted Anthony for sitting in a restricted area. After a brief exchange, Austin Metcalf allegedly pushed Anthony, who then stabbed him in the chest. Anthony fled the scene but later claimed self-defense. Anthony is facing a charge of first-degree murder. Anthony's parents, who claim their son was just defending himself, asked Frisco ISD to allow him to get his high school diploma. Sources said an agreement was reached to allow that. "So I'm just curious on how they arrived at it," Jeff Metcalf said. "When I read their own policy manual about what it states for mandatory expulsion and also graduation, now, he may be placed in a program where he was able to continue his education at home, where he did maintain the credits and could get his diploma." In a statement to CBS News Texas, Minister Dominique Alexander, the president of NGAN and a representative of the Anthony family said: "We cannot and will not speak about the agreement made with Frisco ISD — that remains confidential and legally protected. However, it is truly a shame that anyone would go so far as to threaten a graduation ceremony or try to ruin a day that should be filled with joy, pride, and accomplishment for so many students and their families." The controversy has resulted in a new online petition to award Austin Metcalf an honorary diploma next year when he would've graduated along with his twin brother. "That would be great, because his name will be called right before his brother's name," Jeff Metcalf said. "But the fact of the matter is, it's not going to bring my son back. I mean, it's a nice gesture, but in the long run, my son doesn't get a diploma. So, there's part of me that says maybe Mr. Anthony shouldn't get one either."
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Lawyers of teen charged with murder in track meet stabbing release 1st statement
The family of a 17-year-old student charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of another student at a high school track meet last week is "sincerely saddened" over the death, the teen's attorneys said in their first public statement since the incident while calling for the public to "refrain from rushing to judgment." The incident occurred on April 2 at a Frisco Independent School District stadium in Frisco, Texas, during a track and field championship involving multiple schools in the district. Austin Metcalf, 17, an 11th grader at Frisco Memorial High School, died after police said another student stabbed him during an altercation in the bleachers at the meet. The suspect in the deadly stabbing -- Karmelo Anthony, a student at Frisco Centennial High School -- has been charged with first-degree murder, police said. MORE: Family of teen stabbed to death at Texas track meet speaks out: 'He didn't deserve it' His family has retained Dallas-Fort Worth-area defense attorneys Billy Clark of the Clark Law Firm and Kim Cole of K Cole Law in the case, according to a joint press release from their firms. "Karmelo and the entire Anthony family are sincerely saddened that a life was lost and offer their condolences to the family of Austin Metcalf," the attorneys said in a statement on Monday. "During this difficult time, we urge the public to refrain from rushing to judgment before all the facts and evidence are presented," they continued. "Karmelo, like all citizens of the United States, is entitled to a fair and impartial legal process; we are committed to ensuring that Karmelo's rights are indeed protected throughout each phase of the criminal justice system." Anthony is being held in the Collin County jail on $1 million bond. The attorneys said they plan to work with the Collin County District Attorney's Office to seek a reduced bond and a "better determination of the filed charge." "This will certainly be a long road ahead and during this challenging time, we ask for prayers for both families and we ask for your patience and respect for the legal process as we seek the truth," the attorneys said. In the wake of the incident, Anthony's family has launched a fundraiser on the platform GiveSendGo, which as of early Tuesday afternoon has raised more than $236,000. The fundraising page did not detail how the funds will be used. Anthony allegedly confessed to the killing and officers say he told them he was protecting himself, according to the arrest report. One officer who responded to the scene said Anthony told him unprompted, without being asked any questions about the incident, "I was protecting myself," according to the arrest report. When the officer advised another responding officer that he had "the alleged suspect," Anthony reportedly responded, "I'm not alleged, I did it," according to the arrest report. MORE: Texas track meet stabbing: Suspect allegedly told police he was protecting himself Anthony "made another spontaneous statement" and reportedly asked an officer if what happened "could be considered self-defense," according to the arrest report. The stabbing occurred under the Memorial High School tent in the stadium bleachers at approximately 10 a.m. on April 2, according to the arrest report. Responding officers said they spoke to multiple witnesses, including one who reported that the altercation began after Metcalf told Anthony to move out from under their team's tent, according to the arrest report. The witness reported that Anthony allegedly reached inside his bag and said, "Touch me and see what happens," according to the arrest report. Metcalf grabbed Anthony to move him, according to a witness, and Anthony allegedly pulled out what the witness described as a black knife and "stabbed Austin once in the chest and then ran away," the arrest report stated. "Just doesn't make any sense," Metcalf's mother, Meghan Metcalf, told Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA in emotional remarks last week. "Just because the kid was mad, my son is not here anymore, and I don't understand it." Frisco Police Chief David Shilson called the incident a "senseless act of violence" in a lengthy statement last week while offering his "deepest condolences to all the families involved especially the Metcalf family." He also warned that false information related to the stabbing was being circulated on social media and "to only trust information that comes from official releases and verified sources." Shilson said police are investigating a fake account created using his name that was "perpetuating misinformation" on the incident. Police said they are pursuing felony charges. Lawyers of teen charged with murder in track meet stabbing release 1st statement originally appeared on
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Lawyers of teen charged with murder in track meet stabbing release 1st statement
The family of a 17-year-old student charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of another student at a high school track meet last week is "sincerely saddened" over the death, the teen's attorneys said in their first public statement since the incident. The incident occurred on April 2 at a Frisco Independent School District stadium during a track and field championship involving multiple schools in the district. Austin Metcalf, 17, an 11th grader at Frisco Memorial High School, died after police said another student stabbed him during an altercation in the bleachers at the meet. The suspect in the deadly stabbing -- Karmelo Anthony, a student at Frisco Centennial High School -- has been charged with first-degree murder, police said. MORE: Family of teen stabbed to death at Texas track meet speaks out: 'He didn't deserve it' His family has retained Dallas-Fort Worth-area defense attorneys Billy Clark of the Clark Law Firm and Kim Cole of K Cole Law in the case, according to a joint press release from their firms. "Karmelo and the entire Anthony family are sincerely saddened that a life was lost and offer their condolences to the family of Austin Metcalf," the attorneys said in a statement on Monday. "During this difficult time, we urge the public to refrain from rushing to judgment before all the facts and evidence are presented," they continued. "Karmelo, like all citizens of the United States, is entitled to a fair and impartial legal process; we are committed to ensuring that Karmelo's rights are indeed protected throughout each phase of the criminal justice system." Anthony is being held in the Collin County jail on $1 million bond. The attorneys said they plan to work with the Collin County District Attorney's Office to seek a reduced bond and a "better determination of the filed charge." "This will certainly be a long road ahead and during this challenging time, we ask for prayers for both families and we ask for your patience and respect for the legal process as we seek the truth," the attorneys said. In the wake of the incident, Anthony's family has launched a fundraiser on the platform GiveSendGo, which as of early Tuesday afternoon has raised more than $236,000. The fundraising page did not detail how the funds will be used. Anthony allegedly confessed to the killing and officers say he told them he was protecting himself, according to the arrest report. One officer who responded to the scene said Anthony told him unprompted, without being asked any questions about the incident, "I was protecting myself," according to the arrest report. When the officer advised another responding officer that he had "the alleged suspect," Anthony reportedly responded, "I'm not alleged, I did it," according to the arrest report. MORE: Texas track meet stabbing: Suspect allegedly told police he was protecting himself Anthony "made another spontaneous statement" and reportedly asked an officer if what happened "could be considered self-defense," according to the arrest report. The stabbing occurred under the Memorial High School tent in the stadium bleachers at approximately 10 a.m. on April 2, according to the arrest report. Responding officers said they spoke to multiple witnesses, including one who reported that the altercation began after Metcalf told Anthony to move out from under their team's tent, according to the arrest report. The witness reported that Anthony allegedly reached inside his bag and said, "Touch me and see what happens," according to the arrest report. Metcalf grabbed Anthony to move him, according to a witness, and Anthony allegedly pulled out what the witness described as a black knife and "stabbed Austin once in the chest and then ran away," the arrest report stated. "Just doesn't make any sense," Metcalf's mother, Meghan Metcalf, told Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA in emotional remarks last week. "Just because the kid was mad, my son is not here anymore, and I don't understand it." Frisco Police Chief David Shilson called the incident a "senseless act of violence" in a lengthy statement last week while offering his "deepest condolences to all the families involved especially the Metcalf family." He also warned that false information related to the stabbing was being circulated on social media and "to only trust information that comes from official releases and verified sources." Shilson said police are investigating a fake account created using his name that was "perpetuating misinformation" on the incident. Police said they are pursuing felony charges. Lawyers of teen charged with murder in track meet stabbing release 1st statement originally appeared on
The Independent
07-04-2025
- The Independent
Karmelo Anthony's online fundraiser was at $140,000; then it was taken offline
An online fundraising effort had raised $140,000 within days to help defend teenager Karmlo Anthony who is facing a murder charge over the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf in Texas this month. Then it suddenly disappeared. However, another fundraising page on a separate platform has now raised more than $160,000. At the same time, local police have revealed that they are working with the FBI on a separate investigation into fake social media posts claiming to be from Frisco's police chief. The fundraisers and fake news investigations come after Metcalf, a 17-year-old Frisco Memorial High School student, was stabbed to death on April 2. Police arrested Anthony, a 17-year-old Frisco Centennial High School student, and he remains in Collin County jail with a bond set at $1 million, facing a first-degree felony murder charge in a case that has drawn widespread attention. The earlier page set up for Anthony alleged the teen was 'jumped' by Metcalf and his twin brother at a track meet on Wednesday and that Anthony knew at least one of the brothers. The page described Anthony as a 'respectful, well-mannered young man' with 'ZERO criminal history—not even a blemish.' Anthony's lawyer, Deric Walpole, told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth that he has maintained he acted in self-defense. But by Monday, the fundraising page had been removed. A spokesperson for the platform behind the page told The Independent in a statement they 'prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of violent crimes.' The terms of service of the crowdfunding site say, 'financial and violent crimes, including those related to money laundering, murder, robbery, assault, battery, sex crimes or crimes against minors,' go against its rules. Its rules state, 'We may remove any User Content–including any Fundraisers–that we determine violates these Terms of Service. " A separate fundraising account on the conservative GiveSendGo platform has raised more than $160,000 of a target of $200,000 and purports to be the official fund to help Anthony. 'This is the Official Support Fund for Karmelo and his family during this challenging and difficult time,' the brief description from the Anthony family said. 'The narrative being spread is false, unjust, and harmful. As a family of faith, we are deeply grateful for all of your support during this trying period. Your prayers and assistance mean more to us now more than ever.' The largest single donation so far is $3000, while eight other donations of $1000 to $1500 have also been made. 'Praying for justice! Real justice!' a donor wrote alongside her $1500 contribution. An anonymous contributor wrote: 'Self-Defense - FREE this young man! Why have a knife at a track meet? Why not ask why he needed to? To protect himself from bullies.' Austin is white, and Karmelo is Black. Experts on online misinformation told The Dallas Morning News that one of the fake posts created using the name of Frisco Police Chief David Shilson seemed designed to provoke racial tension. University of Cincinnati professor Jeffrey Layne Blevins said there were several 'red flags' in the fake post, including inflammatory language. It identified Metcalf by name, but referred to Anthony as a 'suspect' or 'black teen'. Frisco Police said they were aware of the post and urged people to rely only on verified police social media accounts. 'Criminal charges will be pursued in this matter,' the department said on social media. Officials said the FBI was helping investigate the fake social media posts, The Dallas Morning News reported.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
‘I'm not alleged, I did it,' Frisco track meet stabbing suspect told police: affidavit
The 17-year-old suspect accused of fatally stabbing a fellow Frisco high school student during a track meet confessed to the killing and told police that he was trying to protect himself, according to an arrest affidavit. Police wrote in the arrest report obtained by Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV that Karmelo Anthony volunteered statements to officers before he was questioned including saying, 'I did it,' and 'I was protecting myself.' Family members identified the victim as 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a junior at Frisco Memorial High School. Austin was stabbed in the heart and died in the arms of his twin brother, the twins' father said. A witness told police that Metcalf had tried to get Anthony to move out from under the Memorial High School team's tent when the Wednesday morning track meet was delayed because of the weather. Students were supposed to sit with their teams, and Anthony was a student at Centennial High School, the affidavit states. The witness reported that when he was asked to move, Anthony opened his bag and reached inside and said, 'Touch me and see what happens,' according to the affidavit. A witness told police that Metcalf then touched Anthony, who told Metcalf to punch him and see what would happen. Metcalf then grabbed Anthony to try to get him to move, the witness said. Anthony pulled out a black knife, stabbed Metcalf once in the chest and ran away, a witness told police, according to the affidavit. The witness said that Metcalf grabbed his chest and asked people to get help, the affidavit states. Police reported that they interviewed another witness who told the same story of the fight between Metcalf and Anthony. Austin's father, Jeff Metcalf, said that he was told that his son had grabbed Anthony's backpack to move it and that's when the suspect pulled out the knife and stabbed him. Upon his arrest, Anthony told officers that he was protecting himself after Metcalf had 'put his hands on me,' before the officers even questioned him about the stabbing, according to the affidavit. When another officer arrived, the arresting officer said he had the 'alleged suspect' in custody, to which Anthony replied, 'I'm not alleged, I did it,' according to the affidavit. 🚨 More top stories from our newsroom: → Family faces legal fight over services for daughter with Down syndrome → Blue Cross Blue Shield drops coverage at North Texas hospitals → Woman attacked, killed outside Arlington apartment [Get our breaking news alerts.] Anthony had fresh blood on his left middle finger, police reported. While in the back seat of the police car, Anthony asked officers if Metcalf was going to be OK, the affidavit states. Anthony threw the knife away after stabbing Metcalf and the weapon was later found in the bleachers at the track, police wrote in the report. Anthony is being held in the Collin County Jail on a murder charge. His bond has been set at $1 million. It's not clear whether he has retained a defense attorney.
