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Austin Metcalf's dad expresses empathy for Karmelo Anthony as killer's parents say 'they did a number on us'

Karmelo Anthony's family claims injustice after murder conviction, while victim Austin Metcalf's father expresses sorrow for the convicted killer.

Published June 11, 2026, 3:16 PM
Updated June 11, 2026, 3:22 PM4.2K
Austin Metcalf's dad expresses empathy for Karmelo Anthony as killer's parents say 'they did a number on us'

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Killer Karmelo Anthony's parents have been very vocal about what they claim was "injustice" following their son's murder conviction, while on the other side, the father of Austin Metcalf, whom Anthony stabbed and killed, has expressed forgiveness of his son's murderer.

After the verdict was presented to the court Tuesday, Metcalf's father, Jeff Metcalf, unleashed a fiery tirade at Anthony.

He also had a sorrowful reaction after the trial, CBS reported. In a sit-down interview with the outlet, he said, "I'll even say this: I had a little bit of sorrow because I'm human; and that poor boy is fixing to experience a life that I would not wish upon anyone."

Anthony was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years behind bars on Tuesday after he fatally stabbed Metcalf at a high school track meet during an altercation in April last year. He has since filed a notice of appeal to challenge the conviction.

CONVICTED KILLER KARMELO ANTHONY'S FAMILY USED FUNDRAISER MONEY FOR MOVING AND LIVING EXPENSES

Karmelo Anthony standing outside after transfer to Texas Department of Criminal Justice custody

Karmelo Anthony is pictured after being transferred to the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and transported to the Pack Unit near Navasota, Texas. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice)

In another interview with CBS, the Anthonys claim they don't believe their son got a fair trial.

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Anthony's father, Andrew Anthony, said, "They did a number on us."

"We didn't get justice," he added. "A lot of things that were missed that should have been handled a certain way; however, we couldn't say anything. We did what we were instructed. We did what we were told."

Jeff Metcalf standing with his son Austin Metcalf outdoors

Jeff Metcalf stands with his son Austin Metcalf, a junior at Memorial High School in Frisco, who was stabbed in the chest at a track meet, allegedly by 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony from Frisco Centennial High School. (Courtesy Jeff Metcalf)

Following the conviction and throughout the high-profile trial, the Anthonys and the Metcalfs have dealt with constant threats and harassment.

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Last August, police responded to 911 calls with the SWAT team showing up to the Metcalfs' Frisco, Texas, home with guns drawn, CBS reported.

Jeff Metcalf told CBS after the trial that he is still receiving death threats and previously had his personal information released.

SLAIN TEXAS TEEN AUSTIN METCALF’S HOME SWATTED HOURS AFTER TENSE PRESS CONFERENCE SHOWDOWN

Despite the harassment to his family members, Metcalf supporters are still showing up.

People outside Collin County Courthouse reacting to verdict announcement in McKinney, Texas

People outside Collin County Courthouse react as a verdict is announced in the Karmelo Anthony murder trial in McKinney, Texas, on June 9, 2026. Anthony faces a potential life sentence for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Metcalf at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. (AJ Skuy for Fox News Digital)

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The slain teen's most recent post to X, in March 2025, days before he was killed, has recently seen a surge in reposts to the platform. "Faith that god got me <3 and my work will pay off," he wrote.

While support pours out for Austin, a new fan page for Anthony, "standwithkarmeloanthony," appears to have been created on Instagram; it has already gained several hundred followers.

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An Instagram user with the username v.pperez, which appears to be owned by Anthony's girlfriend Valeria Perez, has been reportedly promoting the new fan page.

photo shows screenshot of Instagram fan page

Supporters of Karmelo Anthony appear to have create a fan page on Instagram for the convicted killer. (Instagram / Meta)

Fox News Digital has reached out to both the Anthony and Metcalf families.

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