Authorities have reportedly collected video evidence of the confrontation between two Texas teens that resulted in a fatal stabbing during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, on April 2.
Karmelo Anthony, 17, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Austin Metcalf, 17. Police said Anthony allegedly confessed to the killing on claims of self-defense. The release of the video evidence could be key material for the outcome of the case.
Dominique Alexander of the Next Generation Action Network, a civil rights organization, informed the public during a press conference on April 8 that investigators "have collected video" of the fatal confrontation and urged the community to stop spreading misinformation about the case online.
Anthony has been held in custody on a $1 million bail for allegedly stabbing Metcalf to death during a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium. According to a police report, Metcalf asked Anthony to leave a tent set up for Metcalf's track team. Anthony reportedly refused to leave the tent, which sparked a confrontation between the pair, who were on opposing teams. As the altercation escalated, Anthony allegedly reached into his bag, pulled out a knife, and stabbed Metcalf to death. Authorities said the defendant confessed to the killing in an interview and claimed he stabbed Metcalf in an act of self-defense, as indicated in the report.
One witness said Metcalf touched Anthony, while another said he grabbed Anthony during the confrontation, according to the report.
The incident has since garnered national attention not only due to the tragic loss of a young athlete but also because the case has sparked discussions about race and fairness, as Anthony is black and Metcalf is white. Both families have received substantial financial support through fundraisers.
Earlier this week, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said Anthony will not face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole because he allegedly committed the crime as a juvenile. Defenders of Anthony have claimed he is a victim of systemic racism and demanded for his bail to be lowered.
Anthony is scheduled to appear in court on April 12 at 10 am.