Jeff Metcalf, the father of Austin Metcalf, says a major burden was lifted from his shoulders after a Texas jury convicted Karmelo Anthony of murder and sentenced him to 35 years in prison.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the verdict, Metcalf described a sense of peace he had not felt in more than a year.
Anthony, 19, was convicted of the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in 2025.
Prosecutors argued Anthony intentionally killed Austin, while the defense sought a lesser outcome.
The jury ultimately returned a murder conviction and imposed a 35-year sentence on June 9.
Metcalf delivered a victim impact statement directed at Anthony, calling the loss of his son 'rage' and saying Anthony 'failed himself, his parents, and society.'
He also expressed some sympathy for Anthony, acknowledging that he now faces decades behind bars.
Metcalf said the sentencing brought him peace, stating 'forgiveness was not for him, forgiveness was for me.'
He plans to oppose any future parole request if given the opportunity.
Metcalf rejected suggestions that race motivated the confrontation between Austin and Anthony, saying 'this case was never about race.'
