The father of Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old athlete killed in 2023, has stated he feels sympathy for his son's convicted killer, Karmelo Anthony, following the denial of Anthony's bid for a new trial. Jeff Metcalf described Anthony's imprisonment as a "tragedy" and acknowledged that the 19-year-old's life is "pretty much ruined."
"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 enduring the true punishment, as they will never see or speak to Austin again. "I got handed a life sentence," he said, contrasting it with Anthony's ability to still see his family.
Anthony was convicted of murder in June and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the killing of Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas. The jury rejected a lesser charge of manslaughter. Anthony's attempt for a retrial was denied Saturday by Kaufman County Judge Michael Chitty.
The retrial bid was centered on an alleged off-the-record agreement between prosecutors and Anthony's defense team regarding potentially damaging evidence about both teens. Metcalf suggested the case was always about the length of the sentence, not guilt or innocence.
Jeff Metcalf also revealed that he forgave Anthony on the day of the murder. "Had to," he stated. "If I didn't, I'd be eaten up. I'd be angry. I might go do something. I'd be looking for revenge."
Metcalf pushed back against claims that Anthony did not receive a fair trial, calling such people "sheep." He also addressed his perception that race became a factor during the trial when he was asked to leave a press conference held by Anthony's parents. "Because to that point, I never looked at it as a black and white thing. It was a right and wrong thing," Metcalf explained.
He added that questions about Anthony's background, not race, were his concern. "Not, 'Oh, he's black, he must be guilty.' It never even crossed my mind. It doesn't matter. I don't see color."
Metcalf expressed disappointment that Anthony's family had not reached out to offer condolences or acknowledge accountability. "We're obviously different people and we choose to parent differently," he said.
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 and vandalism. Howard presented a document indicating the defense possessed information about the Metcalf twins, including photos of graffiti allegedly created by them and another boy, featuring racist and hateful messages. Howard stated the twins received 12 months of probation for the incident.
State Prosecutor Bill Wirskye presented text messages he alleged showed Anthony's preoccupation with violence, including a message where he fantasized about stabbing someone. Wirskye also noted that Anthony's parents had enrolled him in a program for children struggling with aggression.
The fatal confrontation occurred on April 2, 2023, when Anthony was under the tent of Austin Metcalf's track team. Witnesses testified that Austin Metcalf repeatedly asked Anthony to leave, leading to a physical altercation. Anthony then stabbed Metcalf in the chest. Anthony claimed self-defense during his trial, and his defense team has stated they will appeal the denied retrial.
