A team of prominent civil rights attorneys has announced they will represent Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted of murder for fatally stabbing fellow high school athlete Austin Metcalf, in his appeal. The legal team, which includes Texas NAACP president Gary Bledsoe, veteran appellate attorney Russell Wilson, and civil rights lawyer Brooke Cluse from Ben Crump Law, will conduct an independent review of the trial proceedings to identify potential errors.
The attorneys stated in an announcement that they will be working the case pro bono, acknowledging the significant loss experienced by Metcalf's family and the uncertainty faced by Anthony.
Anthony, 19, was convicted of first-degree murder in Texas and sentenced to 35 years in prison earlier this month. The conviction stems from an incident in April 2025 at David Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, where he fatally stabbed 17-year-old Metcalf during a high school track meet. Anthony filed a notice of appeal less than 24 hours after the verdict.
During the trial, Anthony's claim of self-defense was contested by a witness who testified that Anthony, then 17, had attempted to provoke the situation and committed murder. Anthony is currently incarcerated in a Texas state prison.
The altercation occurred during a rain delay when Anthony was in a rival team's tent. Witnesses stated that Metcalf repeatedly asked Anthony to leave, and Anthony refused, issuing a warning. Metcalf then pushed Anthony, who responded by producing a knife and stabbing Metcalf in the chest. Metcalf died in his twin brother's arms.
Anthony's defense team argued the stabbing was an act of self-defense, but a jury found him guilty of murder after deliberating for just over two hours. The case garnered national attention, and discussions surrounding race emerged, with some of Anthony's supporters characterizing Metcalf, who was white, as a bully who targeted Anthony, who is Black.
An appeal does not guarantee a new trial, and the appellate process could take several months to conclude.