Missouri Woman Faces Federal Charges for Death Threats Against Murder Victim's Family

A Missouri woman, Sharifa Nicole Henderson, 34, has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly making a series of death threats against the family of Austin Metcalf, a Texas teenager who was murdered in April 2025. The threats were reportedly made in June 2026, during the trial of Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted of stabbing Metcalf in the heart at a high school track meet.

According to prosecutors, Henderson sent at least three threatening messages to the Metcalf family. On June 10, she allegedly wrote to a family member, "Now this is a threat take me to court (expletive)" and threatened to "kill you next." Later that day, she allegedly sent another message warning the family she would "demolish" and "strangle" them. A subsequent message on June 11 repeated threats to "hunt you forever until I kill you" and warned the family to "always have to look over your (expletive) shoulder."

Henderson was arrested on September 11 and transported to Texas for her initial court appearance. She faces charges of making interstate threatening communications.

The trial of Karmelo Anthony, who is Black, and the murder of Austin Metcalf, who is white, became a focal point for debates surrounding race. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder. A judge recently rejected his motion for a new trial.

Metcalf's father, Jeff, told Fox4 that his family has received over 100 threats since the conclusion of Anthony's trial, expressing the ongoing distress his family experiences.

Henderson has a prior criminal record that includes charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, theft, and trespassing.

Following the rejection of his motion for a new trial, Anthony's family has sought public donations for his legal defense, requesting $250,000 despite having previously raised over $600,000 through crowdfunding. Questions have been raised about the expenditure of previous funds, especially as Anthony's attorneys are reportedly working pro bono. Anthony's family has stated their intention to continue fighting for their son, with his attorneys suggesting the appeals process could extend into 2027. A separate legal fund has been established to cover litigation costs, with funds to be managed by lead attorney Russell Wilson and not directly controlled by the family.