Tag: Texas

  • TSU Financial Troubles: Investigation Findings Unveiled

    The financial health of our universities is important, especially when taxpayer money is involved. Right now, there is a major investigation underway into the finances of Texas Southern University (TSU), one of the state’s largest historically Black universities.

    State leaders and auditors have found serious problems with how TSU has been handling its money. TSU’s Board of Regents has even admitted the university has faced “historical challenges” with its finances. Here is a simple breakdown of the current investigation and TSU’s past money issues.

    The Big Money Problems (Current Audit Findings)

    The Texas State Auditor’s Office looked closely at TSU’s money records. The preliminary report uncovered some very disturbing findings:

    • Hundreds of Millions in Questionable Spending: Investigators flagged over $280 million worth of invoices that were linked to contracts that had already expired. This means the school was paying people and companies even though their contracts were no longer valid.
    • Bills Before Approval: Thousands of invoices were billed before the purchases were officially requested or approved, which is against proper accounting rules.
    • Poor Records: Auditors noted serious problems with:
      • Tracking inventory (making it hard to know where university property is).
      • Missing or invalid contracts.
      • Financial reports being sent to the state late.

    In short, the audit showed a breakdown in the basic, important rules for handling large amounts of money.

    State Leaders React: A Criminal Investigation

    The audit findings caused an immediate and strong reaction from Texas’s top officials:

    • Governor Greg Abbott stepped in and asked the Texas Rangers (a part of the Department of Public Safety) to start a criminal investigation. Governor Abbott stated that “waste, fraud, and abuse will not be tolerated.”
    • Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called the findings “disturbing.” He suggested no more state money should go to TSU until these problems are fixed.
      • Dan Patrick recently posted a letter on X (formerly known as Twitter)

    💸 A History of Financial Trouble

    The current problems are not the first time TSU has faced serious questions about its money. The university has dealt with several major scandals involving top leaders in the past:

    President Priscilla Slade (Early 2000s): The former TSU president was accused of misusing hundreds of thousands of dollars of university money. This money was allegedly spent on personal luxury items like expensive home furnishings, landscaping for her house, and designer clothes. She was eventually fired and agreed to repay a portion of the funds. The university’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the time was sentenced to prison.

    President Austin Lane (2020): TSU’s president at the time was forced out after a scandal involving the law school. Allegations of bribery and kickbacks surfaced, where officials admitted unqualified students and improperly gave them over $430,000 in scholarships. Cashier’s checks and money orders were even found hidden in an admissions official’s office. spending are questionable, it raises concerns about financial health and whether all funds are going where they are supposed to. State auditors are expected to meet with TSU leaders soon to continue working toward a full resolution and better financial future for the university.

    These past issues show that the struggle with financial oversight at TSU is a recurring problem that affects students and taxpayer funds.

    What TSU Says & Why This Matters

    TSU leaders know the current findings are serious and have promised to work with the state to fix the problems.

    • The university says it is cooperating fully with the auditors and the criminal investigation.
    • TSU has already started making changes, including putting a new purchasing system in place.

    The investigations—past and present—are important because they protect the public funds used to run the university. Texas officials and citizens want to make sure that state tax dollars and tuition fees are spent correctly on education, not wasted due to poor procedures or bad decisions by leaders.

    My only question is CAN YALL PLEASE HIRE SOMEONE WHO WON’T STEAL? Maybe the application and interview process should include a credit check and maybe a mental evaluation.🤔

  • Houston’s Special Election: The Fight for Congressional District 18

    A major election in Houston just wrapped up, but the job isn’t done yet! The special election for the city’s 18th Congressional District (CD-18) seat is officially heading to a runoff.

    This election is a big deal because the person who wins will represent a huge part of Houston in the U.S. Congress, helping to make laws and bring resources back home.


    Why Was There a Special Election?

    This special election was necessary to fill a vacant seat in Washington, D.C. This seat previously belonged to the late U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, who filled the seat when late U.S Rep Sheila Jackson Lee passed.

    When a member of Congress leaves office suddenly—whether through retirement, resignation, or death—a special election is held to make sure the district doesn’t go too long without representation.

    The CD-18 district is historically a very Democratic area, anchored in downtown Houston. The race featured a large number of candidates, but because no one managed to secure more than 50% of the vote, the top two moved on to a second round of voting: a runoff.


    The Two Candidates Headed to a Runoff

    Texas 18th congressional district candidates Christian Menefee (left) and Amanda Edwards (right).
    Credit: Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

    The special election results from November 4, 2025, showed a clear frontrunner and a close second-place finisher. These two individuals will now face each other one-on-one in the upcoming runoff election.

    1. Christian Menefee

    Christian Menefee, who currently serves as the Harris County Attorney, led the race with about 29% of the total votes. At 37 years old, he is seen as a prominent figure in the next generation of Houston’s Democratic leaders.

    2. Amanda Edwards

    Coming in a close second was Amanda Edwards, a former Houston City Councilmember, who received nearly 26% of the vote. She is also a Democrat and has experience in city government and previous campaigns.

    Since both candidates who advanced are Democrats, this guarantees that the 18th Congressional District seat will remain under Democratic control once the winner is seated in Congress.


    What Happens Next in the District 18 Race?

    The runoff election will happen early next year. If you live in the 18th Congressional District in Houston, this next vote is the most important one!

    🗳️ What is a Runoff?

    Simply put, a runoff is a second election between the two candidates who got the most votes in the first round, because neither of them reached the needed majority (50% plus one vote) to win outright.

    🗓️ A Short-Term Seat, Big Future Decisions

    The winner of the upcoming runoff will only serve for the remainder of the current term, which ends in January 2027.

    However, the real political action doesn’t stop there. The person who wins this special election runoff will immediately need to start preparing to run for the full two-year term in the 2026 primary and general elections. This means the new representative will be campaigning almost as soon as they get sworn into office!


    Stay Informed and Ready to Vote!

    This race has already seen a lot of movement, and the runoff will be a crucial chance for voters in the 18th Congressional District to pick their next representative. Make sure you know your polling place and the exact date of the runoff election so your voice can be heard.

  • Understanding #Texas Propositions for November 2025 Election

    Ever looked at a ballot and seen a long list of “constitutional amendments” or “propositions” and thought, “What even are these?” You’re not alone! It can feel like reading a legal textbook, but these propositions are where some of the biggest decisions about your state’s future—like how we fund schools, protect our water, and even manage public safety—are made.

    The upcoming election for November 4, 2025 in Texas featured 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. Think of these as major, long-term updates to the state’s operating system. They cover everything from billion-dollar funds to who gets a tax break.

    We’ve broken down the most important (and sometimes confusing) of these propositions into clear, easy-to-understand points, inspired by the deep dive from FOX 26 Houston.


    💰 Money & Taxes: How Your Wallet is Affected

    A huge chunk of the propositions dealt with how Texas handles its money, either by creating new funds or banning certain kinds of taxes.

    1. Investing in Future Careers (Prop 1)

    • The Big Idea: This proposition is a major investment in vocational and technical education.
    • The Details: It creates a one-time $850 million endowment to support the Texas State Technical Colleges. This money would be used to buy land, buildings, and equipment for the 11 campuses across the state.
    • Why it Matters: The goal is to prepare skilled workers (like welders, mechanics, and technicians) in Texas to keep up with industry demand.

    2. Locking the Door on Capital Gains Taxes (Prop 2)

    • The Big Idea: This amendment makes a permanent, constitutional statement about taxes on investments.
    • The Details: It prohibits the state from ever implementing a capital gains tax. A capital gains tax is a tax on the profit you make from selling an asset, like a stock or real estate. Texas currently doesn’t have one, but this amendment would ensure one can’t be created in the future.
    • The Debate: Supporters argue it incentivizes businesses and investors to move to Texas, while opponents worry it eliminates a potential source of future state revenue.

    3. Property Tax Relief for Homeowners (Prop 13)

    • The Big Idea: Lowering property taxes for everyone who owns a home.
    • The Details: It raises the homestead exemption for all homeowners from $100,000 to $140,000 [13:13]. The homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, meaning you pay less in property taxes.
    • Why it Matters: This is a direct measure to ease the financial burden of owning a home, especially as property values rise.

    💧 Safety & Infrastructure: Building a Better Texas

    These propositions focused on securing vital resources and ensuring community safety.

    4. Securing Our Water Future (Prop 4)

    • The Big Idea: Funding massive, long-term repairs for the state’s water systems.
    • The Details: This amendment allocates $1 billion of state tax revenue annually through 2047 to the Texas Water Fund [04:28]. This money is specifically for water projects, such as repairing infrastructure leaks and extending water delivery systems.
    • Why it Matters: With Texas’s population growing rapidly, updating water infrastructure is crucial to meet the rising demand.

    5. Reforming the Bail System (Prop 3)

    • The Big Idea: Making it harder for those accused of certain violent crimes to be released on bail.
    • The Details: The amendment would require judges to deny bail to people accused of certain serious felonies, such as murder and aggravated assault [02:41].
    • The Debate: Supporters believe it adds a layer of public protection by keeping dangerous individuals off the streets, while opponents worry it undermines the fundamental principle that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty [03:45].

    💡 Beyond the Ballot: Other Key Proposals

    The remaining propositions touched on niche but important areas of governance and rights:

    • Dementia Research (Prop 14): Creates and funds a Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, allocating an initial $3 billion for studying diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s [16:02].
    • Parental Rights (Prop 15): The amendment aims to officially codify the principle that parents are the primary decision-makers for their children [16:48].
    • Voter Citizenship (Prop 16): This adds a specific statement to the Texas Constitution that non-U.S. citizens are ineligible to vote, though existing state and federal laws already require citizenship [18:14].

    What’s the Takeaway?

    Constitutional amendments are critical because they change the rules of the game—the fundamental laws that govern the state. Once they pass, they are hard to undo. These propositions show a clear focus on:

    1. Lowering the Tax Burden for homeowners and businesses.
    2. Investing in Essential Infrastructure (water, technical education).
    3. Making Bold Policy Statements on public safety and fundamental rights.

    Whether you agree with a proposition or not, the most important thing is to read, research, and understand what you are voting on. Every single “Yes” or “No” vote on these amendments helps shape the Texas of tomorrow.


    To see the full breakdown and listen to the detailed explanations for all 17 propositions, check out the original video here: All 17 Texas propositions EXPLAINED for Nov. 4, 2025 election.

  • Bodies Found in Houston Bayous in One Week

    The City of Houston has been shaken this month after several bodies were pulled from the city’s bayous in just a matter of days. What began with one discovery quickly grew into five separate cases across different waterways, leaving the community uneasy and sparking online theories about whether a serial killer could be on the loose—or if it’s just a chilling coincidence.

    Source: KHOU 11 News

    The first body to grab attention was that of 20-year-old University of Houston student, Jade Elise McKissic, who was reported missing on September 11. Her body was later found in Brays Bayou. Authorities confirmed there were no signs of trauma, though her official cause of death has not been released. The news of her passing devastated her family and classmates and set the stage for public concern when more bodies began appearing.

    Jade McKissic, University of Houston junior whose body was found in Brays Bayou after reported missing on 9/11/2025

    In the days that followed, bodies were found in Greens Bayou, White Oak Bayou, and Buffalo Bayou. By September 20, a fifth person was recovered from Buffalo Bayou near North York Street. In less than a week, Houston had seen multiple recoveries from its waterways, each with limited details and many unanswered questions.

    Social media erupted with speculation. Some residents began suggesting that the cases could be connected and pointed to the possibility of a serial killer targeting people near the water. The idea spread quickly, fueled by the eerie timing and the number of discoveries in such a short span.

    Experts, however, are pushing back against these claims. Criminal justice professors and retired Houston police officials explained that there is no clear pattern linking the victims. The bodies involved both men and women, were found in different bayous, and so far, show different causes of death. One case has already been ruled natural causes, while others are still under review by the medical examiner. Authorities also note that accidental drownings are not unusual in Houston, especially near the city’s long stretches of bayous and waterways.

    Police have stated there is no current evidence of foul play, and no homicide investigations have been launched in relation to these recoveries. They’ve reassured the public that if an autopsy shows signs of murder, an official announcement will be made and a full investigation will follow.

    Still, the mystery lingers. Five bodies in a week is far from normal, and the circumstances have left many residents unsettled. Is this just a cluster of unrelated tragedies, or could something darker be hiding beneath the surface of Houston’s bayous?

    For now, the official word is coincidence—but the city continues to watch closely as answers slowly emerge.

  • Texas Senate Bill 15: Changes to Police Misconduct Records

    A new bill in Texas could change how the public can see police records. This bill, called Senate Bill 15, has already passed the Senate and is now waiting for a vote in the House. It has the support of a large police union in the state but is not liked by groups that want more government transparency.

    What’s in the Police Records Bill?

    This bill would create a new type of file for police misconduct records. These records would include information about bad behavior, investigations, and any punishments given to officers. The public would not be able to look at this new file. However, other police departments could see it when they are hiring. This file could also be used by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and during certain criminal court cases.

    People who support the bill say it is important to protect the privacy of police officers. They believe that officers should not be treated differently based on where they work. These supporters also say the public could still get some information about police misconduct, just not from this new file. They argue that other ways to get these records would still be available.

    On the other hand, people who are against the bill say it would make it much harder to hold police officers accountable for their actions. They worry that it would create a “secret file” of police misconduct. They believe it would be much more difficult for regular people to find out what happened and get the records they need. This would make it harder to know if the police are doing their jobs correctly.

    Senate Bill 15 has already been passed by the Senate and is now awaiting a vote in the House. If it passes the House, it will be sent to the governor for his signature.

  • Shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School: Suspect Arrested

    On April 15, 2025, a shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas left four students injured. The suspect was 17-year-old Tracy Haynes. He turned himself in to police later that night. He was charged with aggravated assault in a mass shooting. His bail was set at $600,000, though it’s unclear if he has a lawyer.

    What Happened

    The shooting occurred around 1 p.m. during school hours. Students reported hearing multiple gunshots and fleeing the building. Four students were hurt: three by gunfire (ages 15–18) and one with a leg injury. Their conditions ranged from non-life-threatening to serious. Police and emergency crews quickly secured the campus. Students were evacuated to a nearby stadium to reunite with parents.

    How the Suspect Was Caught

    Haynes surrendered with help from a community group called Urban Specialists. A family member reached out to the group, and its leader, Antong Lucky, convinced Haynes to turn himself in. Haynes’ aunt said the family was shocked, claiming he “came from a good family” and wasn’t raised to commit violence.

    Antong Lucky, executive director of Urban Specialists, a nonprofit organization aimed at keeping kids out of urban violence.

    School Security Questions

    The school uses metal detectors and requires clear backpacks. Officials said the gun wasn’t brought in during regular check-in times, so they claimed security protocols weren’t to blame. This is the second shooting at the school in a year. In April 2024, a student was shot in a classroom, leading to protests over safety failures. Students interviewed stated that allegedly one of the metal detectors in the school was not working.

    The Alleged Shooter Speaks Out

    The alleged shooter speaks on a video from social media

    Community Reactions

    Parents expressed fear and frustration. One mother said she might switch to homeschooling: “I can’t keep going through this”. Students described chaos during the shooting, hiding in classrooms or running for safety. Some criticized the school’s security measures.

    So..Now What?

    Will this become another “School Shooting” cycle, where the shooting happens and there’s the big media coverage. While we are giving out thoughts and prayers, social media debates soon begin about gun control and gun safety. But in the end as always, no one actually does anything and things are “back to normal”.

    You, as parents in the Dallas community, can make a difference. Attend the next Dallas Independent School District board meeting. Make your voice heard. More information here on rules as a community speaker to the board, board meeting dates and more. You can even watch it live.

  • Understanding Texas Laws of 2025: Education, Energy, and Security

    The laws passed by Texas lawmakers in 2025 will shape the cost of raising a family. They will determine the safety of neighborhoods. They will also affect the future of the state’s energy grid. These decisions range from debates about teacher pay to new school funding. They also include border security programs and power grid rules. They touch the daily lives of Texans, affecting paychecks, property taxes, and electricity bills. They even influence what students learn in classrooms. Billions of dollars are on the line. There are heated disagreements over issues like abortion rights and renewable energy. Understanding these changes isn’t just about politics. It’s about how Texans live, work, and plan for the years ahead. Here’s what you need to know.

    Photo: Texas Tribune
    1. Education & School Funding
      • House Bill 2: A bipartisan $8 billion public school funding package passed the Texas House. It includes teacher pay raises and limits on untrained teachers. Senator Will Metcalf expressed his views after the House approved House Bill 2. He remarked, “This $8 billion investment in public education is a step forward. However, we must continue to address the challenges our schools face, from teacher shortages to special education funding.”
      • School Vouchers: Efforts to expand voucher programs (Education Savings Accounts) advanced, with $1 billion allocated in the state budget. Democrats attempted to redirect funds to public schools but were unsuccessful.
    2. Higher Education Overhaul
      • Senate Bill 37: The Senate approved this bill. It restricts how universities teach topics like race and history. The bill allows complaints that could lead to funding cuts. Critics warn of faculty brain drain and threats to academic freedom.
    3. Border & Homeland Security
      • Senate Bill 36: Passed the Senate to create a Homeland Security Division under DPS, centralizing immigration enforcement and infrastructure protection. Part of a broader $6.5 billion border security budget.
    4. Energy & Environment
      • Renewable Energy Regulations: SB 819 (Kolhorst) sets new permitting and environmental rules on wind/solar projects. These rules contrast with lighter regulations for oil/gas. Critics argue it could hinder grid growth amid rising energy demand.
      • Power Grid Concerns: Bills like SB 388 (King) prioritize “dispatchable” energy (e.g., natural gas) over renewables, raising fears about meeting future electricity needs.
    5. State Budget & Spending
      • A $337 billion two-year budget was passed in the House, funding teacher pay, property tax cuts, and border security. Controversial amendments included redirecting $70 million from Medicaid to anti-abortion programs and failed attempts to defund universities over LGBTQ+ studies.
    6. Social Policy & Civil Rights
      • Abortion Laws: Lawmakers declined to expand exceptions for nonviable pregnancies, maintaining strict post-Roe restrictions.
      • LGBTQ+ Issues: Amendments targeting university funding for LGBTQ+ studies were withdrawn after heated debates.
    7. Election & Governance
      • A bill easing verification of hand-counted ballots passed the Senate, raising concerns about election integrity.

    Get more information on the Texas Tribune – Texas Legislature 2025.

  • The Trial of Tay-K: Verdict, Sentence & Key Moments

    Rapper Tay-K, whose real name is Taymor McIntyre, has been at the center of multiple legal battles over the years. His trial for the 2017 murder of photographer Mark Anthony Saldivar recently concluded, marking another chapter in his controversial history. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments, the verdict, and the sentence handed down by the judge.

    Background: The Crimes That Led to Trial

    Tay-K first gained notoriety in 2017 when he released his song The Race while on the run from authorities. He had been charged in connection with the 2016 murder of Ethan Walker during a home invasion in Texas. Instead of facing trial, he cut off his ankle monitor and fled, leading to his arrest months later.

    While evading authorities, Tay-K was involved in another crime—the murder of Mark Anthony Saldivar in San Antonio. Prosecutors argued that Tay-K and his associates picked up Saldivar for a photoshoot, but the situation escalated into a robbery. Saldivar was fatally shot in a Chick-fil-A parking lot after attempting to retrieve his stolen photography equipment.

    The Trial: Arguments and Key Moments

    Tay-K’s trial for Saldivar’s murder took place in Bexar County, Texas. Initially, he was charged with capital murder, which carries an automatic life sentence without parole. However, after deliberations, the jury opted for a lesser charge of murder, sparing him from a life sentence.

    During the trial, Tay-K’s defense team argued that the investigation was flawed. They believed it relied too heavily on witness statements. These statements were from individuals present in the car at the time of the shooting. His attorneys claimed that the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Tay-K was responsible for the murder.

    The prosecution, on the other hand, painted a different picture. They argued that Tay-K had a history of violent behavior and should be held accountable for his actions. They emphasized that Saldivar was robbed and killed in cold blood, urging the jury to deliver a harsh sentence.

    The Verdict and Sentence

    On April 15, 2025, the jury found Tay-K guilty of murder but not capital murder. This meant he avoided a mandatory life sentence but still faced significant prison time. The following day, Judge Stephanie Boyd sentenced him to 80 years in prison with credit for time served.

    Judge Boyd addressed Tay-K directly, stating, “I do realize that while this is a lot of time, you’re still alive. You can still better yourself. But the complainant in this case is deceased, and you need to internalize that the complainant in this case is deceased. You’re going to have to make changes.”

    This sentence will run concurrently with the 55-year sentence Tay-K received in 2019 for the 2016 murder of Ethan Walker. In total, he is set to serve 135 years in prison, effectively ensuring he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

    Judge Stephanie Boyd presents the sentence to Tay-K  after a 3+ hour deliberation from the jury.

    What are your thoughts on the case? Do you think the sentence was fair? Let’s discuss.

  • Texas High School Stabbing: Case Updates on Austin Metcalf and Karmelo Anthony

    UPDATE: Karmelo Anthony’s bond has been reduced to $250,000. (10:20AM at 4.14.2025)

    The fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Texas high school track meet has sparked nationwide attention. It has led to legal debates and emotional reactions. Here’s the latest on the case involving suspect Karmelo Anthony, including updates on his bond hearing and ongoing developments.

    Case Background

    On April 2, 2025, a dispute over seating under a team tent at a Frisco ISD track meet turned deadly. Austin Metcalf, a Memorial High School athlete, asked Karmelo Anthony, a Centennial High School student, to leave the tent. Witnesses reported that Anthony gave a warning. He said, “Touch me and see what happens.” Anthony then allegedly stabbed Metcalf once in the chest with a knife from his backpack.

    Anthony claims self-defense. He immediately confessed to police, saying, “I’m not alleged, I did it.” He asked if the stabbing could be considered self-defense. Metcalf died in his twin brother Hunter’s arms minutes later.

    Bond Hearing and Legal Status

    Anthony remains in Collin County Jail on a $1 million bond. His defense team argues the amount is excessive and plans to request a reduction at a hearing on April 14. Collin County DA Greg Willis confirmed Anthony will not face the death penalty if convicted. This decision is due to Supreme Court rulings. The rulings bar executions for crimes committed by minors. Anthony’s lawyers emphasize his right to a fair trial. They claim the public should withhold judgment until all evidence is reviewed. (They already made a judgment in the court of public opinion sadly.)

    Fundraising Efforts

    A GiveSendGo fundraiser for Anthony’s legal fees has raised nearly $400,000, sparking backlash. The family denies involvement with deleted GoFundMe campaigns and calls circulated narratives “false and harmful”. on the other side, a GoFundMe for Austin’s memorial and family expenses surpassed $316,000. His father described him as a “leader with a 4.0 GPA” and football MVP.

    What’s Next?

    From the Collin County Judicial Online Case Search

    There will be a Bond Reduction Hearing on Monday, April 14th. Judge Angela Tucker will review Anthony’s $1 million bond. His attorney, Mike Howard, argues Karmelo Anthony is not a flight risk. Police are still interviewing witnesses and combating misinformation, including fake social media posts about the stabbing. No trial date is set, but the DA hopes to keep the case in Collin County.

    Community Impact

    The tragedy has divided opinions, with some calling for empathy and others demanding accountability. Conversations about race? Of course. As the legal process unfolds, both families grieve, and the nation watches closely. Updates will follow as new details emerge.

    BOTH parties were GOOD students AND athletes. Let’s not paint Karmelo Anthony out to be the bad guy until we have heard witnesses and seen evidence. I am sure there is a video around here because teenagers record EVERYTHING!

    For further details, refer to sources linked in ABC NewsCBS Texas, and FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth.

  • Texas Track Meet Stabbing Shocks Community

    Source: KBTX News 3

    A high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, was peaceful. Still, it turned into a nightmare last week. A 17-year-old student, Austin Metcalf, was fatally stabbed in front of nearly 30 classmates. The incident has left the community grieving. It has sparked a police investigation and also raised questions about social media’s role in spreading misinformation. Here’s what we know so far.

    What Happened?

    Carmelo Anthony (right) and Austin Metcalf (left)

    On April 3, 2025, students and families gathered for a track meet at Frisco Memorial High School. During the event, a fight broke out. Witnesses say 18-year-old Karmelo Anthony, a student from a rival school, allegedly stabbed Austin Metcalf during the altercation. Police reports state that nearly 30 students saw the attack unfold, many recording the violence on their phones. First responders rushed Metcalf to a hospital, but he died from his injuries.

    Arrest and Legal Response

    Karmelo Anthony was arrested shortly after the stabbing. According to an affidavit, witnesses identified Anthony as the attacker, and surveillance footage reportedly captured the incident. Anthony’s father, Andrew, has denied the charges against his son and claimed that he was not the first aggressor. “He’s a good kid. He works two jobs. He’s an A student, has a 3.7 GPA,” Andrew Anthony told The Post. Austin Metcalf’s father, Jeff, commented on his son’s murder. “I saw my son on the gurney, with a huge hole and blood all over him. Air was pumping into him. He wasn’t breathing. His eyes were rolled to the back of his head”, Jeff Metcalf told Fox News.

    Anthony’s lawyer has since spoken out, claiming the stabbing was an act of self-defense, though police have not confirmed this. “I’m not alleged. I did it,” Anthony allegedly told police. The police report stated that Anthony said to investigators, “He put his hands on me. I told him not too.” Meanwhile, the community mourns as Austin’s family prepares for his funeral, scheduled for later this week.

    Social Media Chaos

    In the aftermath, the FBI launched an investigation into fake social media accounts impersonating Frisco’s police chief. These accounts spread false claims about the case, including rumors of a cover-up. Authorities warned the public to rely only on official updates, emphasizing that misinformation would harm the investigation. Facebook support groups are also popping up in support of Carmelo Anthony.

    Fundraiser Sparks Outrage

    A controversial GoFundMe campaign for Karmelo Anthony’s legal defense has raised over $60,000, drawing sharp criticism from Austin’s supporters. Many argued the fundraiser disrespects the victim’s memory, while others claim Anthony deserves a fair trial.

    A Community in Mourning

    Austin Metcalf is remembered as a kind, athletic teen with a bright future. His school held a vigil last weekend, where friends described him as “a light to everyone he met.” Frisco ISD has increased security at school events and is offering counseling to students traumatized by the attack.

    What’s Next?

    As police piece together the events leading to the stabbing, officials urge anyone with evidence to come forward. The case remains under investigation, with prosecutors weighing charges against Anthony. Meanwhile, Austin’s family asks for privacy as they lay their son to rest.

    This tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly violence can disrupt lives. As Frisco grapples with grief and anger, the focus remains on healing—and seeking justice for Austin. I just hope this doesn’t become a race issue, like many other stories spark up or end. Both families lost someone very important to them. Beyond legal investigations, a lot of healing is needed.