The father of a teenager killed in a high school track meet incident expressed sympathy for his son's convicted murderer after the killer's request for a new trial was denied.
Jeff Metcalf, father of Austin Metcalf, stated that he feels sorry for Karmelo Anthony, 19, acknowledging that the conviction has significantly impacted Anthony's life. "I feel sorry for him just due to the fact that his life is pretty much ruined," Metcalf told ABC News. "It's a tragedy that he has to be in prison. I don't feel sorry for what he did, though. He needs to be held accountable."
Metcalf emphasized that his family is experiencing a "life sentence" without his son, contrasting it with Anthony's ability to still see his family while incarcerated.
Anthony was convicted of murder in June and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the killing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. The conviction came after a jury rejected a lesser charge of manslaughter. The incident occurred last April at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.
Anthony's bid for a retrial, centered on an alleged off-the-record agreement regarding potentially damaging evidence about both teenagers, was rejected Saturday by Kaufman County Judge Michael Chitty. Metcalf characterized the murder case as being "really never about guilt or innocence," but rather about the length of the sentence.
Metcalf also revealed that he had forgiven Anthony on the day of the murder, stating it was necessary to avoid being consumed by anger or a desire for revenge. He pushed back against claims that Anthony did not receive a fair trial, referring to those who believe such claims as "sheep."
Anthony's defense had argued he was denied a fair trial due to pressure to waive his right to testify, improper jury instructions, and restrictions on public access to the courtroom. Metcalf recalled feeling that race became a factor in the trial when he was asked to leave a press conference held by Anthony's parents, stating he had viewed the situation as a matter of right and wrong, not race.
Metcalf acknowledged that he did not anticipate a conversation with Anthony's family, suggesting a lack of remorse or condolence offered. He noted the stark difference in their current circumstances: his son is buried, while Anthony is in prison.
During an appeal hearing last Thursday, Anthony's former attorney, Mike Howard, testified that Austin Metcalf had previously faced charges for assault causing bodily injury. Howard also stated that the defense possessed information on Austin and his twin brother, Hunter, including allegations of graffiti featuring hateful symbols and phrases. A document presented in court indicated the Metcalf twins had received 12 months of probation for an alleged vandalism incident.
Prosecutors presented text messages that they alleged demonstrated Anthony's fascination with violence. A message sent by Anthony hours before the killing reportedly showed him sending a photo of a knife with the caption: "I'm lowkey on the verge."
Anthony and Austin Metcalf were rival athletes. Witnesses testified that Anthony was repeatedly asked to leave Austin's team's tent during a rainy track meet. A confrontation ensued, and Anthony subsequently stabbed Metcalf in the chest. Anthony's defense maintained he acted in self-defense, and they plan to appeal the denied retrial request.