A shocking act of violence at a high school track meet in Texas left a student dead and another facing serious charges. As the community struggles to process the tragedy, false accusations and narratives have spread rapidly across social media, complicating the pursuit of justice and deepening the grief of those affected.
The Incident:
On April 2, 2025, a police report stated that Austin Metcalf and Karmelo Anthony, 17, were at a high school track meet in Texas when Metcalf told Anthony he needed to get out from under the team’s tent. Anthony reportedly reached into his bag and said, “Touch me and see what happens.” Metcalf then grabbed Anthony and told him to move. Anthony allegedly pulled out a knife, stabbed Metcalf once in the chest, and ran. Metcalf reportedly died in his twin brother’s arms.
Shock rippled through the school district and social media platforms as news spread. Students, parents, and the community struggled to comprehend how such violence could unfold in a place where students should feel safe, now leaving a widespread debate over whether the stabbing was self-defense or murder.
Social Media and the Misinformation Surge:
The CBS News Texas I-Team found that a surge of misinformation has swept through social media platforms, causing confusion and fear. A fake X account (formerly Twitter) posed as a Frisco Police Chief and began spreading false information on the investigation. The following day, a fake autopsy report surfaced on Facebook, claiming that drugs were involved. False Instagram screenshots of firearms added to the confusion and rage as the misinformation kept spreading. The consequences of this disinformation on the tragic case have been severe. Both the suspect and the victim’s families have received threats, with their home addresses being exposed online due to rumors expressing negative comments on Metcalf’s behavior and character at school. Following the incidents and the posts that have been shared, fundraising efforts to support their respective causes have been established for both Metcalf and Anthony.
Inside the Legal Battle:
Anthony was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder. He was initially held at the Collin County Jail with a bond set at $1 million. Still, on April 14, 2025, a Collin County Judge agreed to reduce the bond to $250,000 after Anthony’s defense attorney said that maintaining the $1 million bond would be “unusual” due to age, lack of prior criminal history, and ties to the community. If his family posts bond, Anthony will face strict conditions of house arrest and will be required to stay at his parents’ house with an ankle monitor. If he leaves home, he will be returned to jail. District Attorney Greg Willis told KTVT that the case against Anthony could go to a grand jury by the end of June. Anthony claims that he was assaulted first and acted in self-defense, and believes that he is wrongly accused of murder. Anthony’s fundraiser for legal fees has brought in more than $417,000 in donations, with his family stating, “The narrative being spread is false, unjust, and harmful. As a family of faith, we are deeply grateful for all of your support during this trying period.” Metcalf’s fundraiser for funeral expenses and counseling support for his twin brother has raised about $350,000. Metcalf’s father stated, “He was a leader of men. His smile would light up the room. His passion for football was unbelievable.” More than 30 students were listed in a redacted police report as witnesses to the stabbing, as well as a half-dozen coaches.
This tragedy has left a permanent mark on the community. However, beyond the courtroom, this tragedy has encouraged further profound debates on mental health, school safety, and the collective responsibility to provide safe settings for young people to ensure that such a fatal event won’t happen again.
