A 17-year-old student was fatally stabbed during a high school track meet in suburban Dallas on Wednesday, authorities said. The incident occurred during a competition involving student athletes from eight of the Frisco Independent School District’s 12 schools.

Context

Deadly school violence has become a tragic and persistent issue in the United States, with incidents occurring at both K-12 schools and college campuses. These events often involve firearms and can stem from a range of factors, including bullying, mental health struggles, domestic issues, or broader societal influences.

While mass shootings receive the most national attention, school violence also includes stabbings, assaults and other fatal altercations.

What to Know

Frisco police identified the suspect as 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who was arrested and charged with murder. He is currently being held at the city jail and will be transferred to the Collin County jail.

Bond has not been set, and it is unclear whether Anthony has legal representation.

The victim, Austin Metcalf, was an 11th-grade student at Memorial High School, according to a message sent to parents by the school’s principal.

Police have not yet released details about what led to the altercation and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

What People Are Saying

Frisco Police (FPD) said in a statement: “On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Frisco Police and Fire responded to an incident at a track meet in the 6900 block of Stadium Lane. An altercation between two students resulted in one stabbing the other. Despite lifesaving measures by police and fire personnel, including CPR and the administration of blood, the 17-year-old victim died.”

The principal of Metcalf’s school, Brook Fesco sent a letter to the parents of students reads: “Tomorrow morning, we will acknowledge Austin’s death during 2nd period and will offer support throughout the day. District and campus counselors will be available to support your child through the grieving process.

As a parent, your guidance and support will be important in helping your child process grief. Talking about this together, face-to-face, will give you a chance to discuss how your family understands and copes with loss.”

What Happens Next

“This is an active and ongoing investigation with resources from FPD’s School Resource Division, Patrol Division, and Criminal Investigations Division devoted to it,” FPD’s statement continued.

Reporting by the Associated Press contributed to this story.

Update: 4/2/25, 7:20 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to correct the age of the student who was killed to 17. Police said previously that he was 16.