Backroom Deal Kept Karmelo Anthony's Threatening Texts, Including 'Imma Shoot the School up Tmr,' From Jury in Austin Metcalf Trial, Prosecutors Reveal
Karmelo Anthony faced renewed scrutiny as prosecutors revealed threatening texts that jurors never saw.
Aug. 22 2026, Published 4:30 p.m. ET
Prosecutors revealed a shocking collection of evidence that was kept away from jurors during Karmelo Anthony's murder trial, including a 2023 text in which he allegedly threatened to shoot up his school, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
The disturbing messages were reportedly excluded as part of a "gentleman's agreement" between the prosecution and defense that was intended to "keep things clean."
'Imma Shoot the School Up Tmr'
Karmelo Anthony allegedly wrote, 'imma shoot the school up tmr,' in a 2023 text.
Anthony allegedly wrote in a 2023 text, "imma shoot the school up tmr," prosecutors revealed during an August 21 hearing he requested for a new trial, according to WFAA.
The message was among a collection of alleged threatening communications that jurors never saw during Anthony's June 2026 trial.
Anthony's ex-girlfriend reportedly told a vice principal he was stalking her hours before the stabbing.
A photo of a knife that Anthony allegedly sent to his ex-girlfriend was also reportedly among the evidence kept from the jury.
'Keep Things Clean'
Prosecutors said a 'gentleman's agreement' kept damaging evidence about Karmelo Anthony from the jury.
Prosecutor Bill Wirskye testified that the prosecution and defense had reached an informal arrangement to avoid bringing certain character evidence into court.
"I offered the agreement," Wirskye said, according to WFAA. "Let's stay away from historical character and stick to the facts — what happened under the tent."
The agreement meant damaging information about Anthony stayed out of the proceedings, but the defense also agreed not to introduce potentially damaging information about Austin Metcalf.
Wirskye characterized the arrangement as a "gentleman's agreement" and said the goal was to "keep things clean."
Austin Metcalf's Troubling History
Austin Metcalf's juvenile history involving racist graffiti was also kept out of Karmelo Anthony's trial.
As part of the deal, Anthony's defense did not present evidence concerning Metcalf's juvenile history, prosecutors said.
That history allegedly involved racist graffiti, including an upside-down cross, the N-word, "KKK," "Kill all Black people" and "Heil Hitler," Houston Public Media reported.
Metcalf and his twin brother reportedly received 12 months of probation following the incident.
Prosecutors said photos and videos from Metcalf's phone also showed additional slurs and what one official described as a "pervasive picture of a racist outlook."
Karmelo Anthony Seeks New Trial
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Karmelo Anthony's attorneys are now seeking a new trial.
Anthony was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison after the June trial over the fatal stabbing of Metcalf.
His new attorney, Russell Wilson, has argued that the proceedings were compromised by a series of unusual agreements and courtroom decisions, per The New York Post.
Wilson questioned Wirskye about the long-standing relationship between the prosecutor and Anthony's former attorneys and argued that the agreement effectively prevented Anthony from taking the stand.
