Frisco Teen Accused of Fatal Stabbing Will Not Participate in Graduation Ceremony Amidst Social Media Misinformation
Frisco, Texas – Karmelo Anthony, the 18-year-old Frisco Centennial High School student accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet last month, will not participate in any graduation ceremonies, according to Frisco Independent School District (ISD) Superintendent Mike Waldrip. This announcement comes amidst a flurry of misinformation circulating on social media platforms, falsely claiming that Anthony would be walking the stage at graduation.
The tragic incident, which occurred at a Frisco ISD track meet in April, has garnered significant national attention and sparked heated discussions online. The Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) released a statement indicating that Anthony will receive his diploma and graduate, but will not partake in the graduation ceremony. NGAN President Dominique Alexander stated this decision followed a “resolution” reached between Anthony’s family and Frisco ISD. The school district declined to comment on the specifics of any agreement, citing student privacy laws.
Superintendent Waldrip addressed the spreading misinformation in an email sent to Centennial High School staff, students, and families. He explicitly clarified the district’s policy: "No student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony.” This statement aimed to dispel the false narratives circulating online and reassure the community of the district’s commitment to upholding its standards.
The misinformation campaign gained traction primarily on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where posts alleging Anthony’s participation in the graduation ceremony garnered hundreds of thousands of views. These posts often fueled emotional responses, with some expressing outrage and contrasting Austin Metcalf’s inability to graduate with Anthony’s alleged participation. While some of these posts later included corrections acknowledging Anthony’s exclusion from the ceremony, these clarifications reached a significantly smaller audience than the initial misinformation.
The case has been deeply divisive, with strong opinions expressed on both sides. Supporters of Anthony claim self-defense, citing a police report where he alleges he acted in response to a perceived threat. Others, particularly those close to Metcalf, express grief and anger, seeking justice for the deceased student. The online discourse highlights the rapid spread of misinformation and its potential to exacerbate tensions surrounding already sensitive events.
Frisco ISD’s firm stance on Anthony’s non-participation in the graduation ceremony aims to quell the misinformation and uphold its policy regarding students accused of serious criminal offenses. While Anthony will receive his diploma, he will not be publicly recognized at the ceremony. The case remains under investigation, and the legal process will determine the consequences Anthony faces for his alleged involvement in Metcalf’s death. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible social media engagement and the need to verify information before sharing, particularly in emotionally charged situations. The tragedy continues to reverberate through the Frisco community, leaving a void in the lives of those who knew and loved Austin Metcalf.