Jeff Metcalf Shares Heartfelt Journey of Healing After Tragic Loss of Son Austin

FRISCO, Texas — Jeff Metcalf, father of the late Austin Metcalf, has expressed unwavering support for the judge’s decision to prohibit cameras from the courtroom during the trial of Karmelo Anthony, who was charged with his son’s murder.

Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court previously emphasized the necessity of this decision, citing its importance in maintaining the fairness of the trial.

In an exclusive interview with News Media, Jeff Metcalf shared, “There were minors who had to testify. It’s incredibly challenging for them as they’ve already endured trauma. These experiences will stay with them, and they’re all undergoing counseling. Watching them take the stand, face tough questions, and relive their experiences was difficult enough.”

Captured in his Frisco, Texas home on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Jeff Metcalf spoke about the trial and the loss of his 17-year-old son, Austin, who was tragically killed by Karmelo Anthony at a high school track meet the previous year. (Photo by Matthew Symons for News Media)

In April 2025, Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed in the chest during a high school track event. Karmelo Anthony was found guilty of the crime and received a 35-year prison sentence.

Metcalf, who was under a gag order imposed by the judge throughout the trial, said he wants to speak face to face with the Anthony family. He said he has yet to hear from the parents of the man who killed his son.

“If they would have taken accountability and showed remorse, I truthfully believe, I don’t think he would have got that many years that he received,” he said of the Anthony family.

Metcalf has had death threats sent to him and his family, he said. Frisco Police are investigating.

In a message to those threatening his family and the Anthony family, Metcalf said, “You’re soulless, you don’t have compassion or empathy and, I mean, what are you, a sociopath?”

He went on to say, “I wish both sides would quit. It’s not needed. Both these boys, especially mine, mine’s never coming back.”

As for Anthony and his family specifically, Metcalf said, “There’s consequences for actions, and he got the consequences. But there’s no need to dogpile on this other family just because he got convicted.”

While daily headlines are published about the verdict and trial, Metcalf’s home has become a shrine of all things Austin.

News Media got an up-close look at a plethora of photos and mementos throughout Metcalf’s home. The feeling inside the house is quiet and somber.

Metcalf said his twin boys were so close they chose to share a bedroom despite plenty of other rooms in his home. They were “attached at the hip,” he said.

Hunter is probably the strongest individual I’ve ever seen in my life. To carry what he has to carry, to do what he did from the death of his brother to this day has shown absolute strength that I don’t believe I myself even carry. I couldn’t be more proud of him,” he said.

Austin was seen as the “big brother” even though the two are twins; Austin was born minutes earlier than Hunter.

“Both of them would go back to the [Staley Middle School] and talk to the incoming freshmen about what football is and what it means to play at Memorial and what it’s going to take,” Metcalf said.

Hunter completed his senior year and recently graduated without his beloved brother by his side. He accepted his brother’s posthumous diploma, Metcalf said.

Speaking about Austin and Hunter, Metcalf said, “I couldn’t ask for a better son or sons.”