A family lost their son to a knife. Now they are getting death threats because his killer is going to prison.
Austin Metcalf's family is getting dozens of hateful messages after a Texas jury sent Karmelo Anthony to prison for 35 years.
When a family loses a child, we expect people to be kind. But for one Texas family, the end of a murder trial has brought a new wave of fear.
What Happened
In April 2025, a knife fight at a high school track meet ended the life of Austin Metcalf. This week, a jury found Karmelo Anthony guilty of his murder.
But instead of finding peace, Austin's family is now flooded with death threats.
People are sending mean texts to the family's personal phones. Others are posting threats on social media, saying they will go to the family's homes.
What the evidence shows
- A jury sent Karmelo Anthony to prison for 35 years on Tuesday.
- The Metcalf family has received dozens of death threats since the verdict.
- One message told the family that Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, should have died too.
- Local police are aware of the threats and are looking into them.
- A website shut down a major fund for Anthony.
The Bigger Question
Why does a court verdict lead to this kind of online rage? In our digital world, trials are no longer just about the law. They become online wars where strangers attack grieving families.
We have to ask how internet groups turn a tragic loss of life into a game. How do we protect families who have already lost everything from being hurt again?
The Other Side
Karmelo Anthony’s lawyers plan to appeal his 35-year prison sentence. They say the trial was not fair and want a new one. Based on the quick jury verdict and the evidence of the stabbing, this appeal does not look very strong.
What Happens Now
The Metcalf family is living in fear, watching their doors and phones. Police are watching their homes to keep them safe from people who promise harm.
Meanwhile, Anthony is being kept alone at the Collin County Jail. He will soon move to a Texas state prison to start his sentence.
What We Still Don't Know
- Who is sending the text messages and online threats to the family?
- Will police arrest and charge the people who are making these threats?
- How long will Anthony stay in jail before he goes to prison?
Transparency notes
Published: Jun 11, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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Sources
External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.
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