With closing arguments looming on Tuesday, Karmelo Anthony's defense rested without calling him to testify — a move that came as legal analysts questioned whether his self-defense claim will persuade jurors.Anthony is charged with murder in the April 2025 stabbing death of 17-year-old Memorial High School athlete Austin Metcalf during a confrontation at a Texas high school track meet.Anthony admits he stabbed Metcalf but claims he acted in self-defense.Anthony's defense rested its case on Monday, setting the stage for closing arguments when court resumes at 9 a.m.
local time Tuesday.The case has drawn national attention, fueled by debate over Texas self-defense law, questions surrounding race, competing narratives about what happened beneath a Memorial High School team tent and demonstrations outside the Collin County courthouse.Karmelo Anthony sits with his defense attorneys in a courtroom sketch from his murder trial.(Pat Lopez)As the defense case neared its conclusion Monday, an unexpected delay in proceedings fueled speculation about what was happening behind the scenes.DIDDY DEFENSE'S COURTROOM STRATEGY IS A 'CALCULATED RISK': EXPERTProsecutors are shown seated in a courtroom sketch during the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony in Collin County, Texas.
(Pat Lopez)Speaking on Fox News' "The Story," legal analyst Joshua Ritter suggested one possibility was that Anthony and his attorneys were discussing whether he should testify.A split of Karmelo Anthony (left) and Austin Metcalf.Anthony is accused of stabbing Metcalf to death during an April 2, 2025 track meet in Frisco, Texas.
(FOX4; Jeff Metcalf)"Perhaps they're talking to Karmelo Anthony about whether or not he wants to testify," Ritter, a criminal defense attorney and Fox News contributor, said on Monday.Know something we should investigate? Send story tips to [email protected] Share photos on Instagram: @fndstephprice Submit compelling video and breaking news footage on X: @Stephenyprice️ Your inf...