As the convicted teen’s appeal begins, a grieving Texas father’s viral remarks reignite debate over race, justice and Anthony’s rejected self-defense claim.

Austin Metcalf's Father Calls Karmelo Anthony a 'Watermelon Felon' During Livestream
Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News via Getty Images

Just one day after a jury convicted Karmelo Anthony of murder in the fatal stabbing of Texas high school athlete Austin Metcalf and sentenced him to 35 years in prison, the case took another explosive turn online.

During a livestream appearance with commentator Sarah Fields, Austin’s father, Jeffrey Metcalf, launched into a blistering attack on Anthony, his family, and several supporters of the convicted teen, at one point referring to Anthony as a “watermelon felon.”

The remarks came as Anthony’s legal team formally began the appeals process following the June 9 verdict. Court filings show Anthony has requested a court-appointed attorney for his appeal, arguing that he cannot afford appellate counsel. The move arrived amid continued public debate surrounding a case that has drawn national attention since the fatal stabbing of Austin during a Frisco, Texas, track meet in April 2025.

During the livestream, Jeffrey expressed anger not only toward Anthony but also toward what he described as the broader reaction to his son’s death. “From day one, I said this was never about race. Please don’t make it about race and don’t politicize it. And what did you do? You chose both,” he said.

Later in the discussion, he argued that online narratives had widened divisions rather than helping families heal.

His most controversial comments came while criticizing Anthony’s supporters. “I got a new name for Melo,” Jeffrey said. “Because he was such this little boy y’all was trying to portray. How about watermelon felon? How’s that one strike you?”

Jeffrey also accused Anthony’s parents of refusing to take responsibility for their son’s actions. “The real victim is the one who died, not the one who shoved a knife in his chest,” he said.

He criticized their absence from portions of the sentencing proceedings and alleged they had attempted to portray themselves as victims. At another point, Jeffrey stated, “I forgave him so I don’t carry the hate and the anger,” while simultaneously insisting that Anthony deserved the punishment he received.

Please do post the link to any of the live streams (Sippi’s, mine, or our Rumble) for anyone posting out of context clips or cropping our out watermark. Jeff Metcalf’s story is important, and he deserves to have it heard, in its entirety, without context removed. Links below

I’m glad Jeff’s message is reaching so many people. It’s an important message, and I understand why people want to share it. That said, I do wish people would leave the watermark intact and avoid clipping him out of context. The full interview provides important context that

The livestream unfolded against the backdrop of a sharply divided public conversation. Prosecutors argued throughout the trial that Anthony provoked the confrontation and committed an “unjustified murder,” while defense attorneys maintained that he acted in self-defense.

After roughly three hours of deliberation, jurors rejected that argument and returned a guilty verdict. Anthony was subsequently transferred into the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice while his appeal proceeds.

Meanwhile, Anthony’s parents continue to publicly challenge the outcome. In a televised interview following the conviction, his mother said, “My son is no murderer. My son didn’t intend to hurt anyone,” while his father argued that Anthony had effectively been judged long before the trial began.