Jeff Metcalf, the father of slain Texas teenager Austin Metcalf, has given his first television interview since the conviction of Karmelo Anthony, expressing frustration over what he believes are misconceptions and public commentary surrounding the case.

Austin Metcalf, 17, was fatally stabbed during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, on April 2, 2025. Earlier this month, 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Speaking with Fox News host Will Cain, Jeff Metcalf said he has struggled with the way some public figures and commentators have discussed the case without, in his view, fully understanding the evidence presented during trial.

“People had their own opinions without even seeing the facts, and that’s the part I have trouble with,” he said. “Unfortunately, in today’s society, people believe that if they have their own voice and scream loud enough, they’re right.”

During the interview, Jeff specifically addressed comments made on The View, where co-host Sunny Hostin questioned aspects of the case and argued that Anthony’s self-defense claim deserved greater consideration. Hostin also raised concerns about the jury composition and broader questions regarding the justice system.

Jeff disagreed with those ᴀssessments, saying the commentators involved did not personally know the individuals connected to the case.

“They don’t know me. They don’t know Hunter, Austin. They don’t know Karmelo,” he said. “They’re looking for their 15 minutes of fame or their clickbait. They’re looking to monetize the death of my son. I really wish they wouldn’t speak about it at all.”

Responding directly to Hostin’s remarks, Jeff added, “She has no idea on the facts of the case, but she wants to share her public opinion on a platform that reaches millions of people every day. She is completely wrong.”

He also said he would be willing to appear on The View to discuss the case personally.

“Call me, ask me to be on The View with them,” he said. “I would gladly fly up there and talk to all of you.”

Jeff believes recently released video evidence helps clarify details surrounding the fatal encounter. The footage reportedly shows Anthony entering the team tent, the confrontation with Austin, and the aftermath of the stabbing.

Body-camera footage released after the trial also captured Anthony speaking with officers following his arrest. In one clip, he corrected an officer who referred to him as an “alleged suspect,” saying, “I’m not alleged. I did it.”

Anthony’s defense team argued throughout the trial that he acted in self-defense after Austin pushed him during a confrontation. They also suggested that the circumstances of the stabbing supported that argument.

However, witness testimony presented during the trial indicated that Anthony entered another team’s tent and warned Austin, “Touch me and see what happens.” Testimony stated that after Austin pushed him, Anthony pulled out a knife and stabbed him once in the chest.

Medical evidence showed the knife penetrated Austin’s chest and injured the right side of his heart, causing the fatal wound.

Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, rushed to help him immediately after the incident, while prosecutors argued that Anthony fled the scene and attempted to blend in with people leaving the stadium.

Following the conviction, reactions remained divided. Some supporters of Anthony expressed disappointment with the verdict, while others argued that the jury reached the correct decision based on the evidence presented during trial.

Former Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett publicly questioned both the conviction and the 35-year sentence, suggesting that race and jury composition may have played a role in the outcome. She also argued that the justice system had failed Anthony.

Jeff firmly rejected those claims, maintaining that race was never the central issue.

“I don’t care what color you are. I want to judge you on how you treat people. What’s your character like?” he said. “Your color makes no difference. Your character shows who you truly are, and that’s how I judge people.”

According to Jeff, he initially hoped the tragedy would not become politically or racially divisive. He attended a press conference organized by Anthony’s family shortly after the incident, hoping to pray with them and encourage unity.

“I was hoping for some accountability maybe and some remorse — and neither one was shown,” he said.

Jeff recalled being removed from the event by activist Dominique Alexander, who was representing Anthony’s family at the time. He believes that moment marked a turning point in how the case was discussed publicly.

Meanwhile, a six-member legal team has ᴀssembled to pursue appeals on Anthony’s behalf. The group includes Texas NAACP President Gary Bledsoe, appellate attorney Russell Wilson, and civil rights attorney Brooke Cluse.

The Stand With Karmelo Coalition has stated that it intends to independently review the trial record and explore all available legal avenues for appeal. Attorneys involved say they will examine whether any procedural or legal errors occurred during the proceedings.

Despite the continuing debate, Judge John Roach, who presided over the trial, expressed confidence in the jury’s decision.

“Yes, they did [reach the correct verdict], because they were picked based upon the law, they listened to the facts,” Roach said. “It happened in this courtroom, and they got a verdict.”

The judge noted that officials spent months preparing for the highly scrutinized trial and emphasized that the proceedings followed the legal process.

“As long as I follow the law, I sleep well at night,” he said.

As discussions surrounding the case continue, Austin Metcalf’s family remains focused on remembering the 17-year-old whose life was tragically cut short, while legal efforts on behalf of Karmelo Anthony move forward through the appeals process.