Defense rests in Karmelo Anthony murder trial after days of emotional testimony

The defense rested Monday in the Karmelo Anthony murder trial in McKinney, Texas, following an emotionally charged day over the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. Anthony, 19, has claimed self-defense and faces a murder charge with a potential sentence of five years to life; Texas law treats 17-year-olds as adults. Metcalf was killed on April 2, 2025 after ordering Anthony out from a Memorial High School tent. Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday morning, with the jury sequestered in a hotel and barred from outside communications. The day featured 911 calls, video of the altercation, and graphic photos, as witnesses described a rainy-day dispute and conflicting accounts.