Frisco, TX — Karmelo Anthony, now 18 and charged with first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of fellow student Austin Metcalf, will graduate from Frisco Centennial High School. However, contrary to online speculation, he will not be allowed to participate in the school’s commencement ceremony on May 22.
The decision stems from a negotiated agreement between Anthony’s defense attorneys, the Frisco Independent School District (FISD), and the advocacy group Next Generation Action Network (NGAN). The arrangement complies with district policy and, according to supporters, represents a compromise between due process and academic requirements.
“We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted,” said NGAN President Dominique Alexander in response to the news.
“NGAN has worked diligently alongside the Anthony family’s legal team to bring about this fair and student-focused resolution,” Alexander continued. “This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo, and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right.”
As Fox News reports, Frisco ISD Superintendent Mike Waldrip addressed rumors about Anthony’s graduation:
“Frisco ISD has learned that misinformation is being shared regarding Centennial High School’s graduation via several media outlets and perpetuated through social media,” he told WFAA. “It is disheartening that the incredible accomplishments and achievements of our Centennial seniors may be dampened by needless fearmongering, attention-seeking and media vitriol. Our students, staff and community deserve better.
“I want to be clear. No student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony. Additionally, anyone who trespasses on Frisco ISD property or at a District event will be subject to immediate removal and possible arrest by law enforcement,” he said, adding that the school district does not condone violence.
“We work to ensure every student is safe to learn and feels part of our culture of respect, honor and integrity,” he said.
“Let’s come together as a community to honor and support our students and staff. This moment is about their success, and they deserve our full attention and encouragement. Congratulations to the Centennial Class of 2025!”
Despite his absence from school during the final month of the semester, Anthony maintained a 3.7 GPA and completed all graduation requirements remotely.
Deadly Altercation at Track Meet
The alleged encounter between the two teens unfolded on April 2, 2025, at Kuykendall Stadium during the UIL District 11-5A Championship meet. According to the Frisco Police Department’s arrest report, Anthony — then 17 — allegedly stabbed Metcalf once in the chest following an argument that began when Metcalf asked him to move from an area reserved for his track team. Metcalf, a junior at Memorial High School, died in the arms of his twin brother.
Bond, Release, and Legal Conditions
Anthony was arrested and initially held on a $1 million bond, which a judge later reduced to $250,000. He was released to house arrest under several conditions: he must wear an ankle monitor, stay off social media, and have no contact with Metcalf’s family. (RELATED: Judge Intervenes To Seize Notorious Prison After Decades Of Chaos)
Anthony’s trial is pending. He intends to plead not guilty and is expected to claim self-defense. Given that the altercation reportedly began over a seating dispute, most pundits have questioned whether the stabbing truly constituted a life-threatening situation.
Legal experts note that in cases where a confrontation arises from a minor disagreement, self-defense claims are typically subject to close scrutiny to determine whether the response was proportionate or driven by heightened aggression.
The case has drawn national attention, sparking heightened emotions and, unfortunately, even threats. Frustration has also grown over an online fundraiser for Anthony on GiveSendGo, which had raised $529,531 as of May 15 — surpassing its original $450,000 goal. Some of the funds will reportedly go toward the family’s living expenses.
Collin County District Attorney Willis stated that although Anthony will not face the death penalty or life without parole if convicted — due to Supreme Court rulings prohibiting such sentences for juveniles — he intends to fight to keep the case in the county so that local jurors can decide the outcome. (RELATED: Watch: Politician Appeals To Trump After Legal Ruling)
Meanwhile, the family of Austin Metcalf has firmly denied claims that Austin was bullying Anthony, stating that the two had never even met prior to the incident. In contrast to the support for Anthony, Metcalf’s own fundraiser — launched to cover funeral expenses and support his family — has raised $556,469 to date.
Advocacy Group Supports Graduation
NGAN, a left-wing organization based in nearby Dallas, celebrated the agreement, stating that it reflects both a respect for academic achievement and the presumption of innocence.
The group has previously collaborated with organizations such as the ACLU and the Texas Civil Rights Project to support individuals involved in civil rights cases, including providing legal assistance to Crystal Mason, who was sentenced to prison for alleged voter fraud. Additionally, NGAN has received payments from the Democratic Party of Dallas County, suggesting an alignment with Democratic political efforts.
A Divided Public Reaction
The case has drawn widespread attention across Texas and beyond. Supporters of both families have rallied online and in person, with opinions divided over whether Anthony should be allowed to graduate. Emotions remain high as the legal battle continues.
Metcalf’s family has not publicly commented on the graduation decision, though they continue to receive strong support from the community.
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In my mind I ask the question, why was Karmelo Anthony even in posession of a deadly weapon while on school property? Secondly, did Auston Metcaf have a weapon in his hand, in his posession or was one found near his body? No reports even hint so. What supposedly created this problem. From reports and tradition a specific area, in this case under a tent, is usually reserved for the visiting team to be in and Karmelo seated himself in that area. What did Austin Metcaf do to create such a deadly encounter that Karmelo Anthony felt it necessary to use a deadly weapon on him? Basically Austin told him the area was reserved for his team and asked him to sit elsewhere as that area had been designated to his team. Karmelo refused and challenged Auston by saying “don’t touch me and see what happens if you do”. When Auston again asked him to leave and placed a hand on him, Karmelo reached into a bag and drew out a black knife and stabbed Austin once in the chest, pulled out the knife, left it on the stadium seats, and left. He was identified, apprehended, and detained by police. He admitted what he did and asked if that could be considered self defense. He had blood on him and his clothing which was retained through pictures and evidence bag. This is a Capital offense and despite his age he was near High school graduation so he was around 18 years old he should have known and acted better. After all right after graduation he was entering the world as an adult. Was it premeditated murder, lets look at the steps that were breached: 1. Anthony purposedly sat in the wrong area and did not move when requested to do so. 2. Anthony argued with a member of the other team about being in the area reserved for them. 3. Anthony had a knife in his bag on school property, a deadly weapon. 4. Anthony threatened the other Austin by saying “Don’t touch me or you will see what happens”. 5. Anthony knowlingly reached into the bag, grabbed the knife and thrust it into the chest of Austin, withdrew it and left it on the seats, and walked away. 6. Upon apprehension he asked the police if this could be called self defense. At any of the steps couild Karmelo have changed the direction this went, a one sided deadly confrontation. Yes. He could have move, he should not have had a deadly weapon with him on school property, he could have closen not or orally challenge an opposing team member, lastly he knew he did wrong by asking if this could be classified as self defence. I am sorry but if I were on the jury based on just these apparent facts I would not be supporting his claim of self defense and demand the maximum sentence.
SUCH B.S.