Austin Metcalf. Photo:
Austin Metcalf/X
Police in Frisco, Texas are trying to curb misinformation surrounding the murder of a teen who was fatally stabbed at a track meet.
Authorities allege that Karmelo Anthony, 17, stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco on April 2. Since then, the case has been the subject of intense social media attention — and misinformation.
In a statement, Frisco police Chief David Shilson attempted to push back at false claims made online about the stabbing.
“Beware of those taking to social media to deliberately spread misinformation, hate, fear, and division,” Shilson wrote. “Yesterday evening a fictitious account was created using my name perpetuating misinformation. This is a criminal offense and a 3rd degree felony which will be investigated.”
Shilson did not specifically reference the content of the misinformation.
In a subsequent social media post, the Frisco police department referenced another post claiming to be a report from the medical examiner.
“The Frisco Police Department is aware of an image circulating on social media purporting to be a report from the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office,” the department said in a post. “At this time, the report has NOT been released. Therefore, any information currently found online is FALSE.”
Police previously said Anthony removed a knife from his backpack and stabbed Metcalf. In an interview with local media, Anthony’s attorney said his client is claiming he acted in self-defense.
“I know that my client said it was self-defense. I don’t have any reason to disbelieve that, but I need to develop facts, talk to people and figure out what’s going on before I make any statements about what I think happened,” Deric Walpole told NBC 5 on April 4. “I don’t have any reason to think it wasn’t self-defense at this time.”
A fundraiser started by Anthony’s family has raised more than $150,000 for his defense.
“The narrative being spread is false, unjust, and harmful,” the Anthony family wrote. “As a family of faith, we are deeply grateful for all of your support during this trying period. Your prayers and assistance mean more to us now more than ever.”
According to an affidavit previously reported by PEOPLE, Anthony told an officer “I’m not alleged, I did it.”
“He put his hands on me. I told him not to,” Anthony told police, according to the affidavit, also asking “if what happened could be considered self-defense.”
An eyewitness told police, according to the affidavit, that the dispute began when Metcalf asked Anthony to move from under a tent that had been set up for his high school track team.
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“Touch me and see what happens,” Anthony allegedly told Metcalf.
The eyewitness said Metcalf then touched Anthony, to which the latter allegedly responded by telling the former him to punch him and see what happens.
The affidavit claims that when Metcalf went to try and physically move Anthony, the latter then pulled the knife and stabbed Metcalf.
Anthony was charged with murder and is being held on $1 million bail.
“[Metcalf] was a bright young man with a great future ahead of him,” Metcalf’s father wrote in a GoFundMe. “He was a leader of men. His smile would light up the room. His passion for football was unbelievable. Voted team MVP this past season and carried a 4.0 GPA. He was looking forward to taking his game to the next level.”
The GoFundMe set up for Metcalf’s family has raised over $250,000.
