to decide if sudden passion played a role in Anthony's decision to stab Metcalf. That will determine the length of Anthony's sentence. Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years The jury sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole after half that time is served. He faced anywhere from 5 to 99 years in prison. Jurors could have also found that he acted under sudden passion. That would have limited his punishment to just 20 years. Victim impact statements Metcalf's aunt was the first to address Anthony for victim impact statements. She said April 2, 2025 is a day she'll never forget. The call from her sister, Metcalf's mom, still haunts her. As I drove to the hospital, I never believed Austin could be gone, she said. The impact of his death is permanent. Metcalf's mom addresses Karmelo Anthony Megan Metcalf, the victim's mother, talked about raising two energetic, loving souls. Now I only have videos and memories of his laugh, she told Anthony. She talked about the morning of the track meet. She said she packed her son a snack and gave him a hug without knowing it would be the last time she'd ever feel his arms around her. You may have been given a sentence of 35 years. You should feel lucky. I've been sentenced to a lifetime without my son, she said. Metcalf's dad reacts to verdict Jeff Metcalf, the victim's father, called his son a friend, a leader, and a true warrior. Since the day he first grabbed my finger, he had my heart with it, he said. He talked about the joy he felt while watching both of his sons on the field at the same time. He also talked about a scholarship the family started in Metcalf's memory. Jeff Metcalf also called the public response to his son's murder sickening. He said he's been the target of six swatting calls and Metcalf's mother has been targeted twice. With a gag order, I can't defend myself when people want to tear down my son's memory. That time is over! he said. I said from Day 1 this was never about race. It's about right and wrong. We are all humans. We all bleed the same color. You will face those consequences starting today. Austin Metcalf's twin brother asks Anthony to look him in the eye Hunter Metcalf, the victim's twin brother, asked Anthony to look him in the eye and said I would really respect that. He said he's been trying to learn how to forgive. He's chosen God and is trying to understand why his brother and best friend was taken from the world. Now I want everything taken from you, he told Anthony. You took everything from me. I wake up every morning and his door is still shut. Metcalf family hosts press conference following sentencing Today, justice was served. A year ago, when this senseless murder unfolded, I said that it had struck a deep nerve in Collin County and far beyond. I asked our community to ignore all the noise and instead by levelheaded and patient as the process worked. And today, the process delivered accountability. We are grateful to this jury, and we are grateful that the good citizens of Collin County had an opportunity to weigh in on this case, said Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. This verdict sends a clear message. Violence like this won't be tolerated in our Collin County community. And we remain committed to protecting our school and standing with victims and their families. Reactions to guilty verdict A crowd gathered outside the Collin County Courthouse ahead of the verdict being read. Tense moments between people who had opinions about either side of the case were seen with some people shouting in the faces of others. One group carried signs that read things such as Justice 4 Austin. Police and deputies could be seen at barricades erected in front of the courthouse trying to calm people in the crowd. Authorities later used vehicles to create further distance between the crowd and the building. A crowd gathered in front of the Collin County courthouse house ahead of the Karmelo Anthony verdict June 9, 2026. (FOX 4) This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.