McKinney, Texas — Jeff Metcalf, the father of Austin Metcalf, has criticized the parents of Karmelo Anthony for leaving the courtroom before the sentencing phase of the murder trial, saying they were absent during the victim impact statements and final sentencing.

Anthony, now 19, was sentenced earlier this month to 35 years in prison after being convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf in the fatal stabbing that occurred during a high school track meet in April 2025.

Speaking with Fox News host Will Cain, Jeff Metcalf said Anthony’s parents—Kala Hayes and Andrew Anthony—did not return to the courtroom after the guilty verdict was announced.

“They weren’t there for the sentencing and they were not there for victim impact statements,” Metcalf said. “They left that poor child up there by himself.”

Although grieving the loss of his own son, Metcalf said he felt sympathy for Anthony during the sentencing proceedings.

Metcalf also said he has not spoken with Anthony’s pAustin Metcalf’s Father Criticizes Karmelo Anthony’s Parents After Sentencing as Appeal Moves Forwardarents since the fatal incident at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

When asked whether he had ever received an apology from the family, he replied:

“No.”
He added that he had hoped to see accountability and remorse.

“I was hoping for some accountability maybe and some remorse. Neither one was shown.”
Anthony was convicted in connection with the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf during an altercation at the track meet. Prosecutors argued that Anthony fatally stabbed the 17-year-old with a knife during the confrontation.

Following the conviction, Anthony’s legal team filed a notice of appeal less than 24 hours after the verdict. Attorneys representing him have announced they will continue handling the appeal pro bono, meaning without charging legal fees.

The appeal process is expected to take several months, and filing the notice does not automatically enтιтle Anthony to a new trial.

Anthony’s family has continued to maintain that he acted in self-defense and has argued that he did not receive a fair trial.

In an interview with CBS following the sentencing, his mother, Kala Hayes, said:

“My son is no murderer. My son was defending himself.”
She also questioned the credibility of testimony presented during the trial and expressed concerns about the jury’s decision-making process.

Supporters of Anthony have likewise argued that racial bias affected the proceedings.

Following the sentencing, Anthony’s grandmother, Toni Hayes, was recorded outside the courthouse shouting, “Racist!”

Separately, former federal prosecutor and The View co-host Sunny Hostin discussed the case on television, suggesting the defense could potentially raise jury-selection issues during the appeal.

Hostin referenced Batson challenges, the legal process used to contest the exclusion of prospective jurors on unconsтιтutional grounds such as race.

Anthony’s appellate attorneys have not yet publicly outlined the specific legal arguments they intend to present.

With the conviction now entered, the case moves into the appellate phase, where higher courts will review whether any legal errors occurred during the trial that could affect the outcome.

Source: New York Post