Legal Update on Karmelo Anthony’s Murder Case
Death Penalty Off the Table for Teen Charged with Murder
Reactions from Victim’s Family Following the Decision
Published June 25, 2025 12:50 AM PDT
Karmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old facing serious legal repercussions for his alleged involvement in the stabbing death of a fellow teen during a high school track meet earlier this year, has received an important update regarding his case: he will not face the death penalty. This revelation has sparked a significant reaction from the father of the alleged victim, who expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome.
On June 25, 2025, Anthony was formally indicted on one count of first-degree murder related to the tragic events of April 2 at a local high school track meet. Following the announcement of the charges, sources in law enforcement informed TMZ Sports that the option of pursuing capital punishment was not being considered, primarily due to Anthony’s young age.
It has been clarified that the decision not to seek the death penalty stems from both prosecutorial discretion and the legal stipulation that at just 17 years old, Anthony is not eligible for such a sentence. Instead, he faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison if convicted of this heinous crime.
As the legal proceedings continue, Anthony could face severe consequences, including a life sentence without the possibility of parole, if he is found guilty of the murder charge.
Jeff Metcalf, the father of Austin Metcalf, who tragically lost his life due to this incident, has publicly stated that he would have been fully supportive of pursuing the death penalty had Karmelo been over the age of 18 at the time of the crime. However, he refrained from expressing his views on whether he would support such a measure regardless of Anthony’s age.
“My opinion doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things,” Jeff Metcalf remarked. “The reality is, nothing will bring my son back to life.”
He elaborated, saying, “It’s unfortunately the law as it stands. Had this incident occurred six weeks later, Karmelo would have been of legal age, and the situation would be entirely different. We have to navigate the circumstances we’ve been dealt with.” Despite the difficult situation, Jeff expressed that he is “pleased” to see the legal process moving forward.
In defense of his client, Karmelo Anthony’s attorney, Mike Howard, shared a video statement asserting that Anthony’s actions were a matter of self-defense. He expressed confidence that “the jury will reach the right conclusion and that justice will prevail” as the case progresses through the legal system.
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