A Texas defense attorney shocked a courtroom by arguing that a high school student killed in a stabbing at a track meet was responsible for his own death, claiming self-defense for the teen who brought a knife to the athletic event.

Defense Claims Victim Provoked Fatal Stabbing

Defense attorney Mike Howard told jurors in Collin County that Austin Metcalf had no legal right to use force against Karmelo Anthony during their confrontation at Kuykendall Stadium. Howard argued that when Metcalf shoved Anthony, his client had an absolute right to defend himself by plunging a semi-serrated folding knife into the victim’s chest. The shocking argument drew visible outrage from spectators, including a Metcalf family friend who shook her head in disbelief during closing statements.

Witnesses testified that Anthony warned Metcalf to touch me and find out while keeping his hand inside his backpack, suggesting he would pull something out. Howard claimed Anthony felt threatened by Metcalf and his twin brother Hunter, who along with other Memorial teammates had crowded around Anthony while he was seated.

Prosecution Challenges Self-Defense Claim

Prosecutor Bill Wirskye rejected the defense argument, telling jurors that you cannot meet a shove with a stab, especially when you provoke the confrontation. Wirskye questioned why Anthony brought a knife to a track meet in the first place, arguing it showed he felt empowered to come out on top of any encounter. The prosecutor urged jurors to focus on Anthony’s mindset rather than his motive, challenging the defense claim that the warning was benign rather than taunting.

The prosecutor reminded jurors they must first consider the first-degree murder charge before potentially opting for a lesser manslaughter conviction. Wirskye emphasized that Anthony could have simply walked away from the situation instead of escalating it to deadly violence.

Jury Weighs Life-Changing Verdict

Anthony’s family members formed a prayer circle outside the courthouse before deliberations began, holding hands as they prepared for a verdict that could determine his fate. The jury must decide whether Anthony committed first-degree murder, which carries a potential life sentence, or manslaughter, which would result in two to twenty years behind bars. The case hinges on whether jurors believe Anthony acted in legitimate self-defense or whether he provoked a confrontation he was prepared to win with deadly force.