Defense rests in Karmelo Anthony murder trial after days of emotional testimony

Closing arguments are expected to start Tuesday as jurors were ordered sequestered in their hotel and instructed to stay off social media.

McKINNEY, Texas — The defense rested Monday in the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, after a shortened day of testimony on the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf.

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Metcalf, 17, was stabbed and mortally wounded on April 2, 2025, after ordering Anthony out from a section of bleachers under a tent belonging to Metcalf’s high school.

Anthony, 19, has claimed self-defense. He’s been charged with murder, which carries a sentence of five years to life in prison. Although Anthony was 17 at the time of the stabbing, Texas law considers 17-year-olds to be adults.