Austin Metcalf’s twin brother accepts posthumous diploma to standing ovation—year after Karmelo Anthony charged with murder in Texas

A Texas high school graduation ceremony turned emotional Thursday night as the twin brother of slain Frisco student Austin Metcalf accepted a posthumous diploma on his behalf, prompting a standing ovation from the packed arena.

Metcalf, a student at Memorial High School in Frisco, was killed during a track meet in April 2025 in a case that shocked North Texas and drew national attention. According to investigators, Karmelo Anthony allegedly pulled a knife from his bag during an altercation and stabbed Austin in the chest.

Authorities say Anthony then fled the area following the stabbing, leaving Austin dying in the arms of his twin brother, Hunter Metcalf. Anthony was arrested later and charged with first-degree murder.

According to ABC 8, during Memorial High School’s commencement ceremony Thursday, Hunter first walked the stage to receive his own diploma before returning moments later to accept one for Austin. As Hunter accepted the diploma in honor of his brother, the arena erupted into a standing ovation that lasted roughly 30 seconds.

Anthony, despite being charged as an adult, cannot face the death penalty or life without parole because of US Supreme Court rulings prohibiting those punishments for offenders who were 17 or younger at the time of the crime. Prosecutors say he could still face up to 99 years in prison if convicted.

Austin’s father, Jeff Metcalf, has remained vocal in the aftermath of his son’s death, particularly after Anthony was released from jail and placed on house arrest pending trial. Back in April, Jeff Metcalf was removed from a press conference held by attorneys representing Anthony, a moment that drew additional public attention to the already high-profile case. The elder Metcalf has since been placed under a gag order preventing him from publicly discussing details tied to the criminal proceedings or speaking to reporters about his son’s death.