In the wake of Karmelo Anthony’s conviction for the murder of high school track athlete Austin Metcalf, Metcalf’s father has taken a proactive step by establishing a foundation aimed at promoting youth conflict resolution. The conviction, which resulted in a 35-year sentence for Anthony, followed the tragic stabbing of Metcalf during a track meet in Frisco in April 2025.
On Friday, Jeff Metcalf unveiled the Austin Metcalf Foundation, which aims to educate young people on emotional regulation and conflict resolution to help prevent similar acts of violence in the future. He expressed his commitment to honoring his son’s memory through this initiative, emphasizing the need for effective de-escalation strategies.
“We’re going to change the world. We’re going to save lives. And we’re starting the Austin Metcalf Foundation,” Metcalf declared during a press conference. The foundation intends to offer educational programs and presentations in schools, churches, and athletic organizations, fostering a culture of understanding and communication among youth.
Dr. Bruce Carter, a community advocate and founding member of the foundation’s board, joined Metcalf at the event. He highlighted the evolving nature of communication, stating, “In my era, it used to say sticks and stones may break your bones, but words hurt now. Words cause people to shoot through buildings. Words lead to road rage. We have to change that.”
Austin Metcalf’s tragic death stemmed from a confrontation with Karmelo Anthony, who was just 17 at the time. The incident escalated quickly, resulting in Anthony stabbing Metcalf in the chest. The case attracted significant media attention and raised discussions about race relations in the community. After a thorough trial, a jury found Anthony guilty of murder in June, leading to his lengthy prison sentence.
During his address, Jeff Metcalf reflected on the potential for a different outcome had the individuals involved made different choices. “It could have had a different outcome. Austin could have done something different. So could the other person. But that’s not what happened. And that’s why this foundation is being formed. Because we don’t need split-second decisions changing lives forever,” he stated.
As legal proceedings continue, with Anthony’s new legal team preparing to appeal the conviction, Metcalf expressed his focus on the foundation’s mission rather than the ongoing court matters. “I already knew it was going to happen, so I really don’t give it much time,” he said.
In addition to the foundation’s launch, Metcalf addressed previous controversial remarks he made after the trial, acknowledging their impact and expressing a desire to improve. He also shared that he has been invited to speak at an event at Mar-a-Lago in November on the topic of forgiveness, along with scheduled appearances at two colleges in Georgia.
