Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old charged with first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of fellow student Austin Metcalf, has been granted permission to graduate from high school, despite the serious charges against him.
The decision by Frisco Independent School District (FISD) has sparked outrage and national debate over race, privilege, and justice.
The alleged stabbing, which occurred during a track meet in Frisco, Texas on April 2, left 17-year-old Metcalf dead after he confronted Anthony for sitting under the Memorial High School team tent. The altercation ended with Metcalf bleeding out in his twin brother’s arms.
From Expulsion to Graduation: A Sudden Reversal
Initially, Frisco ISD expelled Anthony, according to his adviser and spokesperson Dominque Alexander. That decision meant he would not be able to graduate with his peers at Centennial High School.
However, Alexander confirmed to DailyMail.com that the district has since reversed its position, allowing Anthony to graduate early—though he will not participate in the official May 22 commencement ceremony.
“They were literally trying to expel him—period,” Alexander said. “We are in arrangements of doing an early graduation. They have agreed to allow him to graduate.”
Alexander and Anthony’s family held a press conference on April 17 where they alleged racist death threats had been directed at them and voiced concern over Anthony’s ability to complete his education. The event turned tense when Metcalf’s father appeared uninvited and was escorted out by police.
Just hours after the press conference, Alexander said, the district notified them that Anthony would be allowed to finish school and receive his diploma.
A Case That’s Captivating the Nation
Anthony was arrested shortly after the incident and allegedly confessed to the stabbing, telling police “I did it” upon being taken into custody. His legal team now claims the act was in self-defense, though prosecutors are pursuing a first-degree murder charge.
The murder has become a flashpoint in Frisco, an affluent suburb of Dallas, where the case has ignited conversations about race, privilege, and how the justice system treats young Black suspects versus their white counterparts.
Metcalf’s family has expressed deep anger over the school district’s decision, and critics online have questioned whether a teen facing murder charges should be granted educational leniency.
No Ceremony, No Stage Walk
Despite being allowed to graduate, Anthony will not be allowed to walk the stage or participate in any senior class activities, according to Alexander.
“We’re not asking for accommodations. We’re not asking for him to be part of any activities or anything,” he said.
Anthony, once a promising football and track star, is now facing an uncertain future, with the murder case likely to go to trial later this year.
