Law enforcement is warning of misinformation being spread online relating to the death of Texas teenager Austin Metcalf.
Metcalf, 17, died on April 2 after being stabbed in the heart at a high school track meet at Frisco Independent School District’s Kuykendall Stadium. He was a student at Memorial High School, located three miles north of the crime scene.
The altercation between Metcalf and Centennial High School student Karmelo Anthony occurred around 10 a.m. Police say the two were involved in a disagreement over a seat at the track meet before Anthony wielded a knife and stabbed Metcalf.
First responders performed lifesaving measures on the wounded victim, from CPR to blood administration, but the teen died at the scene. Anthony, also 17, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, Frisco Police confirmed last week. As of Monday, Anthony was being held in the Collin County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Fake accounts spread misinformation about Austin Metcalf’s death
The day after the tragedy, the police department made another post warning of “a fake account on social media purporting to belong to Chief David Shilson.” The public was encouraged to rely solely on the department’s verified accounts for accurate information.
The fake account alleged the stabbing was a result of a “mutual combat altercation” initiated when Metcalf “sucker punched” Anthony, according to Click2Houston. The posts also say Metcalf “smashed [Anthony’s] phone into one of the bleachers.” These claims have not been confirmed by law enforcement.
In a statement, Shilson explains the impersonation of a law enforcement officer “is a criminal offense and a 3rd degree felony which will be investigated.”
On Friday, officials reported that yet another social media account was sharing false information about the case. A fabricated photo of a document from the county medical examiner states Metcalf’s primary cause of death was an “MDMA drug overdose,” listing blood loss from a stab wound as a secondary cause.
“The Frisco Police Department is aware of an image circulating on social media purporting to be a report from the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office,” the post reads. “At this time, the report has NOT been released. Therefore, any information currently found online is FALSE.”
“Only official releases from verified accounts should be trusted. Do not contribute to the misinformation by spreading unconfirmed information.”
Anthony claims self-defense, lawyer confirms
Several media outlets cite an arrest affidavit claiming Anthony told an officer at the scene that he had acted in self-defense.
“I was protecting myself,” Anthony allegedly said, unprovoked, when an officer told him to keep his hands in the air. The officer then communicated to others that he had the alleged suspect in custody, to which Anthony said, “I’m not ‘alleged.’ I did it.”
The report also states that, while walking to the police vehicle, Anthony was “emotional” and said, “He put his hands on me. I told him not to.”
Anthony also asked officers if Metcalf “was going to be okay” and whether his actions “could be considered self-defense.”
On Friday, a local NBC outlet spoke to Anthony’s lawyer, Deric Walpole.
“I know that my client said it was self-defense. I don’t have any reason to disbelieve that, but I need to develop facts, talk to people, and figure out what’s going on before I make any statements about what I think happened,” Walpole told NBC 5 DFW. “I don’t have any reason to think it wasn’t self-defense at this time.”
Walpole also said he requested a hearing for this week to have Anthony’s $1-million bond lowered.
Donations for Austin Metcalf’s family pour in on GoFundMe
The day of his son’s death, Jeff Metcalf launched a GoFundMe campaign asking for donations to honor Austin. The father praised his son’s leadership and passion, along with his success in sports while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
“He was a bright young man with a great future ahead of him.” Jeff Metcalf wrote. “He was looking forward to taking his game to the next level. His commitment, dedication, leadership, and sheer grit made him rise to the level of success that he desired.”
“We will all remember him for the way he impacted others’ lives. I love you forever, son. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. God will take care of us till we meet again. RIP. Love, Dad.”
As of Monday morning, Jeff Metcalf’s campaign had raised over $250,000.
Another GoFundMe campaign was started by Kari Ordas, who, according to the campaign, is the owner of a local pizzeria where Austin Metcalf, his twin brother Hunter, and their mother Meghan worked. Alongside the campaign, Ordas told local news outlet WFAA that she is planning a fundraiser at her business.
As of Monday morning, Ordas’ campaign had raised over $100,000.
Karmelo Anthony GoFundMe campaigns taken down, GiveSendGo raises over $170K
Alternatively, at least three other online fundraising campaigns have been launched supporting Anthony.
One campaign said Anthony was a “respectful, well-mannered young man and had “ZERO criminal history—not even a blemish.” It had raised $140,000 before it was taken down.
A GoFundMe spokesperson told The Independent that they “prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of violent crimes.” The spokesperson was not identified.
A second GoFundMe campaign for Anthony was also taken down.
A third campaign, this one through GiveSendGo, remained live on Monday. The page claims to have been created by “the Anthony family” and had raised more than $170,000 as of noon Monday.
“This is the Official Support Fund for Karmelo and his family during this challenging and difficult time,” the page reads. “The narrative being spread is false, unjust, and harmful. As a family of faith, we are deeply grateful for all of your support during this trying period. Your prayers and assistance mean more to us now more than ever.”
— Click2Houston contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Deadly Texas track meet stabbing sparks misinformation. What we know
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