Jeff Metcalf, the father of slain Texas teenager Austin Metcalf, says he is frustrated by public figures who continue to weigh in on his son’s murder while ignoring the facts of the case.
Speaking Monday on Fox News host Will Cain’s radio show, Metcalf accused some pundits and commentators of using the tragedy for attention and personal gain.
“They’re looking for their 15 minutes of fame, or their clickbait or their clicks,” Metcalf said. “They’re just looking to monetize the death of my son.”
The comments come days after a Collin County jury convicted Karmelo Anthony of first-degree murder in the April 2025 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison after jurors rejected arguments that he acted in self-defense.
The case attracted national attention and became the subject of intense public debate, with some commentators and activists framing the incident through racial and political lenses. Throughout the proceedings, the Metcalf family repeatedly rejected those narratives.
“The two things I said on one of the first interviews I ever did was, ‘Please don’t make this about race, please don’t politicize it,'” Metcalf told Cain. “But they chose to do both.”
Metcalf specifically criticized comments made Monday by “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin, who questioned why Anthony’s actions were not ultimately deemed self-defense.
“I really wish they wouldn’t speak about it at all because one, if that woman said that, she has no idea about the facts of the case, but she wants to spew her public opinion on a platform that reaches millions of people every day,” Metcalf said.
“She is completely wrong,” he added, offering to appear on the program to discuss the facts presented during the trial.
Recently released footage has renewed public interest in the case. In one video recorded shortly after the stabbing, Anthony appears to acknowledge responsibility while being taken into custody.
When an officer referred to him as the “alleged suspect,” Anthony replied, “I’m not alleged. I did it.”
According to trial testimony, Anthony stabbed Metcalf during a confrontation under a team tent at the track meet after being repeatedly asked to leave. Witnesses testified that Anthony became increasingly confrontational during the exchange before pulling a knife and stabbing the unarmed 17-year-old in the chest.
Metcalf said he remains disappointed that many public discussions of the case have focused on race rather than the circumstances surrounding his son’s death.
“We don’t see color. So, all I see is character in people,” he said. “I don’t care what color you are. I want to judge you on how you treat people.”
Despite the pain of losing his son, Metcalf also expressed some sympathy for Anthony while reflecting on the trial’s conclusion.
According to Metcalf, Anthony’s family and several supporters left the courtroom immediately after the guilty verdict was announced and were not present for sentencing or victim impact statements.
“As soon as the verdict was read, he was guilty, his family and some other advocates left the courtroom and turned in their badges,” Metcalf previously told Fox News. “They weren’t there for the sentencing, and they were not there for victim impact statements. They left that poor child up there by himself.”
Metcalf also revealed that neither Anthony nor his family has ever contacted him or his family to apologize.
“Have you ever spoken to the Anthonys?” Cain asked during the interview.
“No,” Metcalf replied.
“No apology, no remorse?” Cain followed up.
“Nothing,” Metcalf answered.
More than a year after Austin’s death, Metcalf said he continues to focus on preserving his son’s memory. He described Austin as a young man known for his faith, leadership and willingness to help others.
“He had compassion. He showed love,” Metcalf said. “He always helped. Always was helping his teammates, always helping the younger kids from middle school who were transitioning to high school football. He would go and talk to them and tell them what to expect. He would coach them in the weight room.”
Reflecting on the loss, Metcalf said the pain never fully disappears.
“I mean, this is a trauma that you carry the rest of your life.”
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