Source: Fox News
Introduction
A disturbing cache of court documents has shed new light on the violent patterns preceding the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a Texas high school track meet. Records obtained by Fox News Digital reveal that Karmelo Anthony, who was later convicted for the April 2, 2025, homicide, engaged in a documented history of threats, stalking, and weapon-related intimidation in the months leading up to the tragedy.
The 75-page filing, submitted by prosecutors in May 2026, details a series of aggressive behaviors that paint a portrait of a volatile individual. As Karmelo Anthony faces scrutiny regarding his history of rage and threats, the evidence suggests that his actions on the day of the stabbing were preceded by an escalating pattern of harassment directed at his former partner.
What Happened
On the morning of April 2, 2025, Valeria Torres Perez, Anthony’s girlfriend at the time, alerted staff at Centennial High School that she was being stalked. She reported that Anthony had been repeatedly driving past her residence and refused to accept the dissolution of their relationship.
Early that same morning, digital correspondence attributed to Anthony signaled his deteriorating state of mind. At 12:59 a.m., he sent messages stating he was "on the verge," a sentiment he reiterated approximately 35 minutes later. Hours following these communications, the confrontation at the track meet resulted in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf.
Background
The legal documents were compiled as part of a notice of extraneous offenses filed by prosecutors to establish a pattern of conduct for the murder trial. While these records do not confirm that every alleged act occurred, they reflect the evidence the state intended to present to demonstrate Anthony's propensity for violence.
The files include a wide range of alleged misconduct, stretching back to Anthony's time as a student in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Beyond the threats toward his girlfriend, the records cite evidence of anti-gay and racist rhetoric, discussions regarding narcotics, and a preoccupation with weaponry.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 23, 2023 | Anthony describes "seeing red" and losing control when angry. |
| May 5, 2024 | Instagram photo allegedly shows Anthony posing with a firearm. |
| June 10, 2024 | Alleged threat to shoot his girlfriend. |
| Sept. 2024 | Threats involving a gun and sabotage of vehicle brakes. |
| Jan. 4, 2025 | Video shows Anthony aiming a suspected firearm at a home. |
| Feb. 2025 | Anthony suspended for fighting; discusses purchasing a firearm. |
| March 14, 2025 | Anthony allegedly assaults his girlfriend. |
| April 2, 2025 | Fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet. |
Key Details
The evidence cache highlights a consistent preoccupation with violence. In late 2023, Anthony allegedly confessed to a contact that he loses all self-control when enraged, claiming his "eyes change color." He also boasted about orchestrating an assault on an individual who had posted disparaging comments about his cousin.
Throughout 2024 and early 2025, the threats against Perez intensified. In March 2025, just weeks before the stabbing, he allegedly threatened her life and the lives of her friends via text message. These digital interactions also included references to specific weaponry, including knives and firearms, with videos capturing Anthony handling guns on multiple occasions.
Impact
The disclosure of these messages provides significant context to the atmosphere surrounding the murder trial. Prosecutors argued that this history of behavior was relevant to understanding Anthony's mindset. While the defense maintained a strategy centered on self-defense, the jury ultimately reached a guilty verdict.
The inclusion of these prior acts underscores the severity of the case, as the court examined whether the defendant's documented history of rage and threats was indicative of his actions at the high school track meet. The documents did not, however, provide a formal psychiatric diagnosis or confirm that Anthony was in the midst of a mental health crisis at the time of the stabbing.
What Happens Next
Following his conviction for the murder of Austin Metcalf, Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison. He is currently pursuing an appeal of that conviction. Legal representatives for Anthony, including attorney Russell Wilson, have been reached for comment regarding the implications of these court documents on his ongoing legal challenges.
