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FRISCO, Texas – Austin Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, says he “100%” stands by the judge’s decision in the Karmelo Anthony murder trial to keep cameras out of the courtroom.
Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court went on the record previously to say the decision was essentially imperative to keep the trial fair.
In a sit-down interview with Fox News Digital, Jeff Metcalf said, “You have minors that had to testify. It’s hard enough for them because they’ve witnessed a trauma. They will have permanent memories. I mean they’re all in counseling. It was hard enough to watch them get up on the stand and have to testify and be asked the tough questions.”
Jeff Metcalf is interviewed by Fox News Digital at his home in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Metcalf’s 17-year-old son, Austin Metcalf, was murdered at a high school track meet by Karmelo Anthony last year. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)
Metcalf’s son was fatally stabbed in the chest by Anthony at a high school track meet in April 2025. Anthony was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison.
WATCH: Austin Metcalf’s father remembers his son’s childhood
Metcalf, who was under a gag order imposed by the judge throughout the trial, said he wants to speak face-to-face with the Anthony family. He said he has yet to hear from the parents of the man who killed his son.
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“If they would have taken accountability and showed remorse, I truthfully believe, I don’t think he would have got that many years that he received,” he said about the Anthony family.
WATCH: Austin Metcalf’s father says the Anthony family has yet to speak to him
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Anthony family for comment.
Austin Metcalf, 17, was stabbed to death at a Texas track meet. (Jeff Metcalf)
Anthony has since filed a notice of appeal to challenge his conviction.
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Metcalf has had death threats sent to him and his family, he said. Frisco Police are investigating.
In a message to people threatening his family and the Anthony family, Metcalf said, “You’re soulless, you don’t have compassion or empathy, and I mean, what are you, a sociopath?”
Karmelo Anthony appears with his attorney in a courtroom sketch during his murder trial. He is also shown in custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. (Pat Lopez/Texas Department of Criminal Justice)
He went on to say, “I wish both sides would quit. It’s not needed. Both these boys, especially mine, mine’s never coming back.”
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As for Anthony and his family specifically, Metcalf said, “There’s consequences for actions and he got the consequences. But there’s no need to dogpile on this other family just because he got convicted.”
While daily headlines are published about the verdict and trial, Metcalf’s home has become a shrine of all things Austin.
A family photo of Jeff Metcalf and his son, Austin Metcalf, from a hunting trip is displayed at their home in Frisco, Texas, on June 17, 2026. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)
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Fox News Digital got an up-close look at a plethora of photos and mementos throughout Metcalf’s home. The feeling inside the house is quiet and somber.
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An array of photos and memorabilia honoring Austin Metcalf is displayed at Jeff Metcalf’s home in Frisco, Texas, on June 17, 2026. Austin Metcalf, 17, was murdered at a high school track meet last year by Karmelo Anthony. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)
In many of those photos, Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, is also seen.
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An array of photos and memorabilia honoring Austin Metcalf is displayed at Jeff Metcalf’s home in Frisco, Texas, on June 17, 2026. Austin Metcalf, 17, was killed at a high school track meet last year by Karmelo Anthony. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)
Metcalf said his twin boys were so close they chose to share a bedroom despite plenty of other rooms in his home. They were “attached at the hip,” he said.
Jeff Metcalf is interviewed by Fox News Digital at his home in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Metcalf’s son, Austin Metcalf, was murdered at a high school track meet by Karmelo Anthony last year. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)
“Hunter is probably the strongest individual I’ve ever seen in my life. To carry what he has to carry, to do what he did from the death of his brother to this day has shown absolute strength that I don’t believe I myself even carry. I couldn’t be more proud of him,” he said.
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Jeff Metcalf stands near photos and memorabilia honoring his son Austin Metcalf at his home in Frisco, Texas, on June 17, 2026. Austin Metcalf was murdered at a high school track meet last year. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)
Austin was seen as the “big brother” even though the two are twins; Austin was born minutes earlier than Hunter.
Jeff Metcalf is interviewed by Fox News Digital at his home in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)
“Both of them would go back to the [Staley Middle School] and talk to the incoming freshmen about what football is and what it means to play at Memorial and what it’s going to take,” Metcalf said.
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A family photo of Jeff Metcalf with his sons Austin and Hunter Metcalf is displayed at their home in Frisco, Texas, on June 17, 2026. Austin Metcalf, 17, was murdered at a high school track meet last year. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)
Hunter completed his senior year and recently graduated without his beloved brother by his side. He accepted his brother’s posthumous diploma, Metcalf said.
The twin boys would have celebrated their 19th birthday together this July.
Jeff Metcalf is interviewed by Fox News Digital at his home in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)
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In the fall, Hunter will begin his first year of college.
Speaking about Austin and Hunter, Metcalf said “I couldn’t ask for a better son, or sons.”