“Heartbroken Father Questions School’s Decision to Let Son’s Accused K…r Graduate”

The father of a Texas high school student who was fatally stabbed by another student at a track meet is speaking out after learning that his son’s accused killer will still graduate from high school. Though school officials confirmed that the teen won’t be allowed to walk at the ceremony, the decision to let him receive a diploma has stirred controversy.

According to reports from CBS News Texas, NBC 5 DFW, and the Dallas Morning News, Frisco Independent School District (FISD) Superintendent Mike Waldrip confirmed that 18-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who is facing a first-degree murder charge for the April killing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, will not attend his graduation ceremony.

However, the student will still earn his high school diploma. The advocacy organization Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) confirmed that Anthony—who held a 3.7 GPA and completed his academic requirements—will graduate, although he is barred from participating in any senior activities.

“This is a dignified moment for Karmelo and an example of successful advocacy,” said NGAN President Minister Dominique Alexander in a statement. He noted that NGAN worked closely with Anthony’s legal representatives and the school district to reach a resolution focused on Karmelo’s education.

FISD did not publicly comment, citing student privacy laws.

Meanwhile, Austin Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, has expressed frustration with the decision. According to the Daily Mail, he has filed a complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) challenging the school district’s actions.

Jeff told CBS News Texas that he tried to speak with Superintendent Waldrip at the administration building but was denied entry due to not having an appointment. “It’s disheartening,” he said. “I understand protocol, and I scheduled a meeting.”

The stabbing incident, which occurred on April 2 during a track and field meet at Kuykendall Stadium, has become politically charged. A group called Protect White Americans labeled the killing as racially motivated, a stance Jeff Metcalf publicly rejected, warning against creating racial division.

Tensions escalated later in April when Jeff attended an event where Anthony’s parents were speaking. He was asked to leave, and Alexander later criticized his presence, calling it “disrespectful” to his son’s memory.

Superintendent Waldrip has addressed the situation in previous communications, pushing back against online rumors that Anthony would attend the graduation. In an email, he clarified: “No student charged with a serious criminal offense is allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.”

Police say Anthony brought a knife to the track meet and used it to stab Austin after a confrontation over seating arrangements. According to a witness and a police affidavit, Austin had asked Anthony to move from a tent reserved for his own school’s track team. A verbal exchange followed, and when Austin tried to move Anthony, he was stabbed.

Anthony, who was 17 at the time of the incident, allegedly admitted to the stabbing, telling police, “I did it,” and asking whether it could be considered self-defense. His attorney, Deric Walpole, told reporters that the teen believed he was defending himself, but added that more investigation was needed.

Anthony was charged with first-degree murder and later released on bond, which was reduced from $1 million to $250,000.