The father of a Texas high school student who was fatally stabbed earlier this year has formally filed a complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) after learning that the individual charged in connection with his son’s death will reportedly be allowed to receive his high school diploma.
Jeffrey Metcalf, the father of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, has voiced deep concern over the decision by Centennial High School, part of Frisco Independent School District (FISD), to permit the accused student to graduate amid an ongoing homicide case.
The incident, which took place at a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, has sparked intense emotions among community members, school officials, and the families involved.
(Sources: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, Frisco Police Department, Texas Education Agency)
The Incident: What Authorities Have Confirmed
On April 2, 2024, Frisco police responded to an emergency call at Kuykendall Stadium during a high school track and field event. According to official police statements, officers arrived at approximately 10:00 a.m., where they discovered a 17-year-old male who had sustained a stab wound to the chest.
The victim, later identified as Austin Metcalf, was treated at the scene by police and fire personnel. Despite efforts that included CPR and blood administration, he was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to Frisco Police and NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth.
The suspect, 18-year-old Karmelo Anthony, was taken into custody by Frisco police and charged with murder, a first-degree felony under Texas law. He was later released on house arrest pending trial, per Frisco police and court records.
(Source: Frisco Police Department Media Release)
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Graduation Dispute: A Father's Formal Complaint
Following the arrest and formal charges, the family of Austin Metcalf has raised concerns regarding the school district’s decision to allow Anthony to graduate while legal proceedings are still ongoing.
According to media reports confirmed by statements to NBC and the Daily Mail, Jeffrey Metcalf filed a complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) challenging Frisco ISD’s approach to academic eligibility for students under criminal investigation.
Speaking to NBC 5, representatives of the district declined to comment on individual student matters, citing federal privacy laws under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). However, the district did confirm that decisions regarding student discipline and academic standing are made in accordance with district policy and Texas law.
As of this writing, no final disciplinary outcome has been made public by Frisco ISD, and the district has not confirmed whether the student in question will physically participate in a graduation ceremony.
(Sources: NBC 5 DFW, TEA Official Guidance)
Family Reactions and Media Statements
In a media briefing earlier this month, Dominique Alexander, a community spokesperson associated with the Anthony family, stated that the student would be permitted to graduate, though he would not attend the ceremony due to ongoing legal restrictions. Alexander explained that the family had pursued alternatives for early or virtual graduation arrangements.
Meanwhile, Austin’s father, Jeffrey Metcalf, expressed frustration with the perceived lack of sensitivity shown toward his family, especially given the ongoing criminal proceedings. In an interview with the New York Post, Metcalf said he hoped for acknowledgment and solidarity between the families.
“I would have appreciated the opportunity to stand together in prayer and unity," he stated. "That moment could have set an example of compassion during a very painful time.”
Metcalf said he was present at a press event hosted by the Anthony family but was asked to leave by security after tensions escalated. He indicated that he had hoped for a peaceful exchange rather than confrontation.
(Sources: New York Post, Daily Mail)
The Legal Process Continues
The criminal case against Karmelo Anthony is currently pending in Collin County District Court. Under U.S. law, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
In a public statement, Anthony’s parents have maintained their son acted in self-defense. At a press conference last month, Kala Hayes, Anthony’s mother, addressed what she described as “misinformation” about her son, urging the public to allow the legal process to unfold.
No trial date has been set as of May 2025. Legal experts note that complex homicide cases involving minors or young adults can often take months or longer to proceed to court, particularly when evidence and witness testimonies are still being reviewed.
(Sources: Collin County District Clerk, NBC News)
Community Response and School Policy Considerations
The situation has sparked broader conversations in the Frisco community and beyond about how schools should respond when students face serious legal charges. Questions have arisen over:
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Graduation eligibility for students in legal trouble
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Balancing student rights with victim advocacy
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Transparency in school disciplinary decisions
While Frisco ISD has not made any official policy changes in response to the case, parent groups and education advocates have begun to call for clearer guidance on how districts handle academic privileges when a student is charged with a violent crime.
Legal analysts note that under Texas Education Code, school districts have the authority to expel or discipline students for off-campus conduct, particularly when it involves felony charges. However, the application of such policies varies depending on timing, legal advice, and due process requirements.
(Sources: Texas Education Code §37.006, Frisco ISD Student Handbook)
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A Case That Raises Broader Questions
As the criminal case continues and the educational complaint proceeds through the TEA, this situation has brought national attention to how schools navigate legal, ethical, and emotional complexities surrounding students involved in criminal matters.
The Metcalf family has asked for compassion and awareness of their ongoing grief, while the Anthony family maintains their belief in due process and the right to education.
Until the court reaches a verdict, both families—and the broader public—are awaiting answers through formal channels.
Conclusion: Balancing Accountability and Educational Rights
The death of Austin Metcalf has left a profound impact on his family and school community. As questions continue over the graduation status of the student charged in his death, the situation highlights the difficult intersection of criminal justice, student rights, and community expectations.
While no policy can eliminate grief or resolve such a tragedy, transparency and communication between families, school officials, and the public remain vital as all sides seek accountability and healing.
