The coach of a Texas high school jock that was allegedly stabbed to death by Karmelo Anthony sobbed as he recalled realizing the teen “was gone” just moments after the knifing.
Victim Austin Metcalf’s family was brought to tears as Frisco track and football coach Robert Starr recounted seeing a “commotion” at the Kuykendall Stadium on April 2, 2025, and going over to where the 17-year-old was on the ground, NBC 5 reported.
“His face is purple, and he has a big hole in his chest,” Starr testified at the first day of the murder trial against Anthony.
Metcalf’s family openly cried in the gallery of the Collin County courthouse in McKinney as Starr spoke.
Anthony, now 19, is accused of stabbing Metcalf in the chest with a foldable knife over a dispute that began after Metcalf asked Anthony to move out from under his team’s tent.
Starr began to sob as he described going over to where trainers were trying to revive Metcalf before Metcalf’s twin, Hunter, pleaded with Starr to “do something,” as he pointed toward Anthony.
Starr went over to where Anthony was — but others told the upset coach to leave.
When Starr returned to Metcalf, everyone was praying and Starr and Hunter got on their knees and also prayed, he recalled.
“I just knew Austin was gone,” the coach said.
The next day, Starr sent a text to Metcalf saying, “I love you man. Sorry I didn’t say enough,” according to exhibits shown to the jury.
Here’s the latest on Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial following the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf
Mecalf’s dad, Jeff, wiped his eyes as the messages were shown.
The incident unfolded after Austin, a student at Frisco Memorial High School, told Anthony, who attended Frisco Centennial High School, to move away from their team area.
The pair allegedly shoved each other before Anthony stabbed Metcalf, a move he claims he made in self-defense.
Starr told the jury that he’d tasked Anthony – who was a discus and shot put thrower, as well as a football player – and a few other teammates with leading that day, which meant setting up the tent and moving equipment.
The coach explained that the tent “marks your spot” and said you don’t go under other team’s tents.
Anthony has pleaded not guilty. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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