Latest news with #FriscoISD
CBS News
25-06-2025
- CBS News
Public patience urged as Karmelo Anthony indicted for deadly Frisco ISD track meet stabbing
In less than 90 days, Karmelo Anthony was indicted for first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf during a Frisco ISD track meet, and officials call for patience and justice over emotion. It was 83 days, to be exact, from the day Frisco police said Austin Metcalf was killed at that track meet until Tuesday, when Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced the indictment. "Earlier this spring, our community was shaken by what happened at a school track meet in Frisco, the violent loss of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf," Willis said. Willis said his team has been presenting evidence to the grand jury for the indictment, which could carry a prison sentence of 5 to 99 years if a conviction is obtained. In a statement to CBS News Texas, Austin Metcalf's father, Jeff, said he's pleased the process is moving forward. "With the first-degree murder indictment, it now goes into the court system," said Jeff Metcalf. "I fully believe that justice will be served for Austin Metcalf. I look forward to the forthcoming trial. But it will never bring my son back." Anthony's defense attorney, Mike Howard, described the indictment as expected, routine, and procedural. "Of course, Karmelo looks forward to his day in court. It's only in a trial that a jury will hear the full story, one that includes critical facts and context that the grand jury simply didn't get to hear," Howard said. The deadly Frisco ISD track meet stabbing According to police, the incident happened on the morning of April 2 at a track meet at Frisco ISD's Kuykendall Stadium. Witnesses told investigators there was a confrontation between Austin Metcalf and Anthony. It ended with 17-year-old Austin Metcalf being stabbed once in the chest. He would not survive. Anthony was arrested and faced a charge of murder. Also 17 years old at the time of the stabbing, Anthony was given a $1 million bond. By April 14, Anthony's bond was reduced with the condition of house arrest for his release. The teen currently remains on the same bond conditions. Copies of the indictment are expected to be released by Thursday, court officials said. In the meantime, both sides await the assignment of a judge for the case. "The family is just experiencing this for the first time," said Dominique Alexander, the president and CEO of the Next Generation Action Network. "So they don't really know how to digest this situation, but they're just taking it day by day." Alexander is also an Anthony family spokesperson. According to the non-profit leader, NGAN got involved because the alleged crime at the track became a matter of race. "It's been a very contentious case. It's been a very racially motivated case," Alexander said. "It was one of the reasons why NGAN got involved with the case, because of all of the social media, all of the narratives that were going around the case, the opinions before people even knew what was going on." District Attorney Greg Willis urges justice over emotion Willis, who believes this is a case of murder, said he was aware the case struck a nerve in Collin County and beyond. Yet, the DA advised justice over emotion. "Let's remember that the justice system works best when it moves with steadiness and principle," Willis said. "That's what we're committed to, and that's what this case deserves." Howard, who thinks his client was defending himself, also recognizes the case's strong lure. "We understand that this case has sparked strong reactions," Howard said. "Please remember that there are real human beings, kids, on both sides of this case."
CBS News
24-06-2025
- CBS News
Karmelo Anthony indicted for murder in stabbing death of Austin Metcalf at Frisco ISD track meet
Karmelo Anthony, the 18-year-old accused of fatally stabbing another teen during an altercation at a Frisco ISD track meet in early April, was indicted for murder by a Collin County grand jury on Tuesday. Anthony was arrested on April 2 in connection with the stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium. The teen, who is facing a first-degree murder charge, has been on house arrest since being released on a reduced bond on April 14. Frisco ISD releases video of the stabbing Frisco ISD released surveillance footage of the fatal incident in mid-June. The video recording began several minutes before the altercation between Anthony and Metcalf. The camera, positioned near the press box, captured half of the field at Kuykendall Stadium. The tent where the incident occurred is located in the bleachers near the 50-yard line. Due to the camera's distance, individuals are not easily identifiable in the images. At about 9:55 a.m., a sudden movement is seen under the tent, followed by interaction between two figures. Frisco ISD officials said this is the moment the stabbing occurred. Several people can be seen walking or running away, while others approached the area. Austin Metcalf CBS News Texas Minutes later, an ambulance arrived, entering through the gate near the end zone and driving to the 50-yard line. Paramedics appeared to realize they couldn't reach Metcalf, who is in the bleachers, with the stretcher. They return it to the end zone, then carry it into the stands. While paramedics worked on Metcalf, someone placed crime scene tape and unrolled a blue tarp higher in the stands behind the tent, according to the footage. Police later said this is where the knife used in the stabbing was found. Anthony was quickly taken into custody. How Anthony reacted after his arrest Once the arresting officer said, "I have the alleged suspect [in custody]," Anthony reportedly told the officer, "I'm not alleged, I did it." Anthony then said that Metcalf put his hands on him after he asked him not to, according to the affidavit. After Anthony was placed inside a police vehicle, he asked an officer if Metcalf was going to be okay and if what happened could be considered self-defense.
CBS News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Frisco ISD releases video of fatal track meet stabbing involving Austin Metcalf and Karmelo Anthony
Frisco Independent School District has released surveillance footage of a deadly stabbing that occurred during a track meet in April, but only under strict conditions. Under Texas open records laws, requesters may view such video in some cases, but are not permitted to record it. Camera captures distant view Austin Metcalf and Karmelo Anthony CBS News Texas The video begins several minutes before the altercation between Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf. The camera, positioned near the press box, captures half of the field at Kuykendall Stadium. The tent where the incident occurred is located in the bleachers near the 50-yard line. Due to the camera's distance, individuals are not easily identifiable. At approximately 9:55 a.m., a sudden movement is seen under the tent, followed by interaction between two figures. Frisco ISD officials say this is the moment the stabbing occurred. Several people are seen walking or running away, while others approach the area. Emergency response begins Minutes later, an ambulance arrives, entering through the gate near the end zone and driving to the 50-yard line. Paramedics appear to realize they cannot reach Metcalf, who is in the bleachers, with the stretcher. They return it to the end zone, then carry it into the stands. While paramedics work on Metcalf, someone places crime scene tape and unrolls a blue tarp higher in the stands behind the tent. Police later said this is where the knife used in the stabbing was found. Stretcher moved to ambulance At about 10:13 a.m., paramedics begin moving the stretcher toward the entrance as the ambulance reverses alongside it. Six or seven individuals surround the stretcher as it is loaded into the ambulance at 10:15 a.m. The vehicle does not depart until 10:20 a.m. Police remain on scene The video continues for several more minutes, showing police activity under the tent. Prosecutors may present the footage to a grand jury.
CBS News
16-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Texas Senate unveils public school funding plan with major differences from House version
With just over two weeks left in the legislative session, Texas senators have introduced their version of the sweeping public school funding bill, House Bill 2, which diverges significantly from the House's proposal passed in April. CBS News Texas The Senate Education Committee held a public hearing on the bill on Thursday. Both chambers aim to invest billions in public education, but lawmakers remain divided over how the money should be distributed. "At the end of the day, the difference right now is how we're flowing that funding and how we're directing school districts to spend that money," said Bob Popinski, senior director of policy at Raise Your Hand Texas. It has been five years since lawmakers last increased per-student funding for public schools. The House plan would raise the basic allotment by $395 per student, offering school districts more flexible funding to cover teacher and support staff salaries, daily operations, and rising costs driven by inflation. In contrast, the Senate's version proposes a more modest $55 increase to the basic allotment, opting instead to allocate the largest share of funding to teacher pay raises. These raises would favor teachers with more experience and those in smaller districts. "For districts that are trying to balance budgets and get out of structural deficits that have been caused by inflation, the House version helps do that," said Kimberly Smith, chief finance and strategy officer for Frisco ISD. "And the Senate's version is so directed towards teacher pay raises that it's going to present a challenge for us to give raises to the other half of our staff that aren't teachers. So while we're really grateful for any investment in public education, and we definitely think our teachers deserve a raise, it's going to be much harder to get through the next couple of years without more flexible funding." Both versions of House Bill 2 include additional funding for special education services, the teacher pipeline, and full-day pre-K. "Both versions do incredible things for our public schools," said Bob Popinski, senior director of policy at Raise Your Hand Texas. "Any amount to move the ball forward on funding our schools is a good step forward, and so we hope we get something across the finish line." The Senate version must still clear the committee and pass on the Senate floor. If approved, the bill will likely head to a conference committee, where lawmakers from both chambers will try to reconcile the differences. "I think our main message is we all heartedly appreciate the work that both the House and Senate have done to invest in public education," Smith said. "I don't think any bill that passes at this point is going to be perfect and exactly what every district needs, but we can take a step forward now, and then we can work through the interim and in the next session to take another step forward, and so on and so forth." The legislative session ends June 2.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- CBS News
Austin Metcalf's father seeks answers after learning Karmelo Anthony may still graduate high school
The father of a Frisco teen fatally stabbed during an April track meet is demanding answers after learning his son's accused killer will graduate high school — despite facing a murder charge. Tuesday night, an advocacy group announced that Karmelo Anthony, the teen accused of fatally stabbing Frisco Memorial High School athlete Austin Metcalf during a track meet in early April, will get his diploma. Dallas-based advocacy group announced Karmelo Anthony will receive diploma According to Next Generation Action Network, Anthony will not be allowed to participate in senior graduation activities. However, the organization said his 3.7 GPA and completion of all graduation requirements mean he can graduate without attending the final month and a half of the academic year. "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 Minister Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN. "As the largest social justice organization in North Texas, NGAN has worked diligently alongside the Anthony family's legal team to bring about this fair and student-focused resolution. This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right." In response to a request for comment, a Frisco ISD spokesperson said the district cannot discuss individual student records due to privacy laws. The district also shared a letter that Superintendent Mike Waldrip sent to the Centennial High School community, which criticized "needless fear-mongering, attention-seeking, and media vitriol" surrounding the school's upcoming graduation. The letter also said that "no student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony." Title V felonies include homicide, kidnapping and sexual assault. "Frisco ISD does not condone violence or crime in our schools or at our events and will not reward or celebrate those who hurt others. We work to ensure every student is safe to learn and feels part of our culture of respect, honor, and integrity," the letter said. Austin Metcalf's father wants answers from Frisco ISD superintendent The news sent Austin Metcalf's father on a mission to confront the Frisco ISD superintendent. Jeff Metcalf said he just wants answers, but when he arrived at Frisco ISD's administration building, he was told he would not be let in without an appointment. The father of Austin Metcalf wanted to hear directly from Frisco ISD Superintendent Mike Waldrip what he heard from media reports on Tuesday regarding Anthony's graduation. "I've been stonewalled. Sad, you know, I understand the protocol," Jeff Metcalf said. "They said I have to make an appointment, which I did." The day of the track meet fatal Frisco stabbing According to authorities, the altercation between Anthony and Austin Metcalf occurred when Austin Metcalf confronted Anthony for sitting in a restricted area. After a brief exchange, Austin Metcalf allegedly pushed Anthony, who then stabbed him in the chest. Anthony fled the scene but later claimed self-defense. Anthony is facing a charge of first-degree murder. Anthony's parents, who claim their son was just defending himself, asked Frisco ISD to allow him to get his high school diploma. Sources said an agreement was reached to allow that. "So I'm just curious on how they arrived at it," Jeff Metcalf said. "When I read their own policy manual about what it states for mandatory expulsion and also graduation, now, he may be placed in a program where he was able to continue his education at home, where he did maintain the credits and could get his diploma." In a statement to CBS News Texas, Minister Dominique Alexander, the president of NGAN and a representative of the Anthony family said: "We cannot and will not speak about the agreement made with Frisco ISD — that remains confidential and legally protected. However, it is truly a shame that anyone would go so far as to threaten a graduation ceremony or try to ruin a day that should be filled with joy, pride, and accomplishment for so many students and their families." The controversy has resulted in a new online petition to award Austin Metcalf an honorary diploma next year when he would've graduated along with his twin brother. "That would be great, because his name will be called right before his brother's name," Jeff Metcalf said. "But the fact of the matter is, it's not going to bring my son back. I mean, it's a nice gesture, but in the long run, my son doesn't get a diploma. So, there's part of me that says maybe Mr. Anthony shouldn't get one either."
