Jurors were visibly shocked as graphic autopsy photos of Texas teen Austin Metcalf, including his eviscerated heart, were shown during the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony — who averted his eyes from the grim evidence.
Some of the jury members gasped and one woman put her hand over her mouth as pictures were displayed of Metcalf’s body, showing a large stab wound in his chest and his punctured heart, according to a report by the Daily Mail.
The family of the slain 17-year-old high school jock left the Collin County courtroom in McKinney, Texas, during the gruesome testimony of a medical examiner which included the disturbing photos.
Meanwhile, the 19-year-old accused murderer looked down at his lap when the pictures were shown.
Medical examiner Dr. Elizabeth Ventura told jurors the knifing left Metcalf with a “gaping” 2-inch wound and that the knife went so deep, it pierced the bone of his chest and the right side of his heart.
Anthony is accused of thrusting a semi-serrated folding knife into Metcalf’s chest once during a Frisco track and field meet on April 2, 2025, after a dispute over seating at Kuykendall Stadium.
Metcalf, a student at Frisco Memorial High School, asked Anthony, then a 17-year-old student at Frisco Centennial High School, to move out from under the Memorial team tent set up on the bleachers.
But Anthony refused to budge despite repeated requests by multiple students and he then provoked Metcalf when he said “Touch me and find out” and had his hand inside his backpack, suggesting he would pull something out, according to testimony.
Metcalf shoved Anthony and Anthony pulled the blade out of the bag, stabbing him once, jurors heard from witnesses.
Metcalf’s twin brother, Hunter, and others attempted to revive Austin as Anthony chucked the knife and tried to flee the stadium before coaches stopped him, keeping him there until cops arrived, witnesses testified.
Anthony pleaded not guilty and his lawyers claimed he acted in self-defense after Metcalf started the confrontation.
Prosecutors called their final witness Saturday. Anthony’s lawyers began the defense case Monday.
The trial could wrap by the end of the week.
Anthony faces up to life in prison if convicted.
