The father of Austin Metcalf, who was tragically murdered, has shared his thoughts after the teenage boy charged with his son’s death was formally accused of murder.
If found guilty of fatally stabbing the promising young student athlete, Karmelo Anthony could potentially receive a life sentence.
Seventeen-year-old Metcalf was attacked and stabbed during a track meet in Texas back in April, the violent act reportedly triggered by a dispute over seating arrangements.
Anthony, who was 17 at the time of stabbing, was indicted on first degree murder charges by a grand jury on Tuesday.
This means that the case now moves to trial, but a date has not yet been set.
Metcalf’s dad, Jeff, issued a statement following the indictment, as reported by NewsNation.
“With the first degree murder indictment, it now goes into the court system,” he said.
“I fully believe that justice will be served for Austin Metcalf. I look forward to the forthcoming trial. But it will never bring my son back.”
Anthony could face five to 99 years, or life behind bars if he’s convicted.
He could also be issued a fine up to $10,000.
Anthony will be tried as an adult in line with Texas law.
Anthony, now 18, admitted to stabbing Metcalf when he was arrested by cops following the attack at the David Kuykendall stadium in Frisco.
He made the admission when an officer referred to him as an alleged suspect.
“He put his hands on me. I told him not to,” he told cops.
He claimed that he acted in self-defense.
Cops also spotted blood on Anthony’s left middle finger.
Anthony later asked if what happened could be considered self-defense.
The self-defense argument has been reiterated by Anthony’s lawyers.
Metcalf died in his twin brother Hunter’s arms after he was attacked.
Hunter said he tried to respond as fast as he could after realizing his sibling had been attacked.
“I tried to whip around as fast as I could,” Hunter told the ABC affiliate WFAA.
During an appearance on Will Cain’s podcast, Hunter recalled the moment he saw Metcalf running down the bleachers after being stabbed.
He revealed he tried to put his hand on his brother’s chest in a desperate bid to stem the bleeding.
“I grabbed his head and I looked in his eyes,” Hunter said.
“I just saw his soul leave, and it took my soul too.”
Hunter described Metcalf as the “strongest kid” that he knew and labeled the killing “senseless.”
Anthony was charged with murder following the stabbing and was released from jail on April 14 on a $250,000 bond.
His family was reportedly inundated with Amazon packages and other gifts following his release.
