Texas releases new image of Karmelo Anthony, as he files notice of appeal of murder conviction

Karmelo Anthony, a teenager sentenced to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, has filed a notice of appeal on Wednesday. In a one-page document submitted to the court in Collin County, Texas, Anthony mentioned that he could not afford an attorney for the appeal and requested the court to appoint one for him. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice also released a new photo of Anthony, showing him with a shaven head and wearing a sleeveless tunic.

Anthony, now 19 years old, has been transferred to the Wallace Pack Unit, a prison near Navasota, Texas, where he will begin serving his 35-year sentence. This move signifies that he is now in state custody. Anthony was found guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of Metcalf, another teenager, at a high school track meet last year.

The tragic incident took place at a Frisco Independent School District stadium on April 2, 2025, during a track and field competition involving multiple schools in the district. Metcalf, an 11th grader at Frisco Memorial High School, was stabbed during an altercation under his school’s tent in the stadium bleachers.

According to witnesses, the argument between Anthony and Metcalf erupted over Anthony, a student at Frisco Centennial High School, being under Metcalf’s school tent during the rainy track meet. During the trial, multiple current and former students provided testimonies about the incident.

Witnesses stated that Anthony was repeatedly asked to leave the tent but refused. The altercation escalated with Anthony threatening violence and Metcalf refusing to engage in a physical altercation. Eventually, Anthony stabbed Metcalf with a pocket knife, causing a fatal injury to his right ventricle. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Metcalf was pronounced dead.

Prosecutors labeled the stabbing as “senseless” and “plain and simple murder,” while the defense argued that Anthony acted in self-defense. The jury deliberated for three hours before reaching a guilty murder verdict. They could have also considered manslaughter, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years. The same jury then deliberated on the sentence, ultimately deciding on the 35-year imprisonment for Anthony.

This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. ABC News’ Meredith Deliso has contributed to this report.