Newly released police body camera footage has provided a closer look at the moments following the fatal stabbing of Texas high school student Austin Metcalf, a case that drew national attention and sparked intense public debate.
The footage, released after Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial concluded earlier this month, shows officers taking the then-17-year-old into custody shortly after the deadly confrontation at a Frisco track meet in April 2025. Anthony was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison in June 2026.
Video played during the trial and later released to the public captures Anthony appearing emotional as officers place him in handcuffs near the stadium.
In one of the most widely discussed moments from the footage, Anthony can be heard saying, “I’m not alleged. I did it.”
The body camera recording also includes Anthony telling an officer, “He put his hands on me. I told him not to. He put his hands on me.” Prosecutors argued the statement reflected Anthony’s immediate attempt to justify the stabbing, while defense attorneys maintained it supported their claim of self-defense.
Authorities said the confrontation occurred during a weather delay at a high school track meet held at David Kuykendall Stadium. According to testimony presented during the trial, Metcalf approached Anthony after finding him under a team tent designated for Memorial High School athletes. A brief confrontation followed before Anthony stabbed Metcalf in the chest with a knife.
Metcalf, 17, died at the scene despite efforts by coaches, first responders and bystanders to save his life.
Evidence Reveals Chaotic Aftermath
The body camera footage was released alongside surveillance video, photographs and 911 recordings introduced during the trial.
Those recordings captured the panic that unfolded in the minutes after the stabbing. Witnesses can be heard urgently requesting medical assistance as coaches worked to stop the bleeding and perform CPR.
One coach repeatedly encouraged the injured teenager to continue fighting while emergency personnel rushed to the scene. Prosecutors said the recordings helped jurors understand the severity of Metcalf’s injuries and the desperate efforts made to save him.
Jurors also viewed surveillance footage showing students scattering after the confrontation. The video, taken from a distance, does not clearly capture the stabbing itself but was used to establish the timeline of events.
Trial Remains a Source of Debate
Anthony’s defense team argued throughout the trial that he acted in self-defense. Prosecutors countered that the evidence demonstrated an unjustified use of deadly force during a dispute that escalated within seconds.
After deliberations, the jury found Anthony guilty of first-degree murder. The sentence allows for the possibility of parole after a portion of the term is served under Texas law.
The case generated widespread discussion across social media and beyond, with supporters and critics on both sides debating issues that ranged from self-defense laws to the fairness of the trial. Family members of both teenagers have continued to speak publicly following the verdict.
With the release of the body camera footage, the public is now seeing evidence that was previously limited to jurors and courtroom observers. For many, the video offers a clearer picture of a tragedy that changed two families forever and left a lasting impact on a Texas community.