Emotions ran high inside a Texas courtroom as jurors were shown graphic autopsy photographs during the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, the teenager accused of fatally stabbing fellow student Austin Metcalf.
According to the New York Post, inside the courtroom, several jurors appeared visibly shaken when prosecutors introduced images documenting the injuries Metcalf suffered during the April 2025 incident.
Some jurors reportedly gasped, while one woman covered her mouth as medical evidence was displayed.
Members of Metcalf’s family chose to leave the courtroom during portions of the testimony, which included detailed findings from the medical examiner.
Anthony, 19, reportedly looked down and avoided viewing the images as they were shown to the jury.
Dr. Elizabeth Ventura, the medical examiner who performed the autopsy, testified that Metcalf suffered a severe chest wound during the confrontation.
She described the injury as a “gaping” wound measuring roughly two inches and said the knife penetrated deep enough to strike bone before piercing the right side of the victim’s heart.
Anthony is charged in connection with the death of Metcalf, a 17-year-old student at Frisco Memorial High School.
Prosecutors allege the stabbing occurred during a track and field meet at Kuykendall Stadium on April 2, 2025.
Jurors previously heard testimony that Metcalf approached Anthony, who attended Frisco Centennial High School, and asked him to move from a Memorial team tent area located in the stadium bleachers.
Witnesses testified that Anthony refused repeated requests to leave.
According to testimony presented during the trial, Anthony allegedly responded with “Touch me and find out” while keeping a hand inside his backpack.
Witnesses told jurors that Metcalf then shoved Anthony, after which Anthony allegedly removed a folding knife from the bag and stabbed him once in the chest.
The courtroom has also heard testimony about the frantic moments that followed.
Metcalf’s twin brother, Hunter, along with others at the scene, attempted to save him while emergency assistance was sought.
Witnesses testified that Anthony discarded the knife and attempted to leave before being stopped by coaches and held until police arrived.
Anthony has pleaded not guilty.
His defense team argues he acted in self-defense and maintains that Metcalf initiated the physical confrontation.
Prosecutors rested their case Saturday after calling their final witness.
Defense attorneys began presenting their case Monday.
The trial is expected to conclude later this week.
If convicted, Anthony could face a sentence of up to life in prison.
