Jeff Metcalf Launches Foundation in Son Austin’s Name Six Weeks After Killer’s Conviction
The father of Austin Metcalf took a public step toward healing Friday by announcing a new nonprofit dedicated to preventing youth violence through education and emotional awareness.
,Jeff Metcalf launched the Austin Metcalf Foundation alongside community organizer Bruce Carter to combat youth violence through de-escalation and emotional control education., The announcement came roughly six weeks after a teen was convicted of murdering Austin at a Frisco track meet.
,Karmelo Anthony was convicted of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf at a school track meet in 2025., The case drew national attention and sparked intense debate about youth violence and the justice system.
,The mission of the Austin Metcalf Foundation is to educate, inspire and equip youth across America with emotional regulation, conflict resolution and decision-making skills needed to protect their lives, their freedom and their futures.,
,The foundation will also raise funds for the Austin Metcalf Scholarship Fund, providing educational opportunities to deserving students who demonstrate character, leadership, academic commitment, community service and sportsmanship.,
Jeff Metcalf said his core message is simple: walk away. He told reporters that both his son and his killer could have made a different choice in that moment, and that teaching young people to step back from conflict is the foundation’s driving purpose.
The announcement was not without controversy. Metcalf faced direct questions from reporters about racist remarks he made in an online video following the trial. He acknowledged the comments, saying they were not his best moment but that he is committed to doing better. Board member Bruce Carter noted that Metcalf understands those comments will limit which schools the foundation can visit.
Carter’s involvement was described as one of the most unexpected elements of Friday’s announcement. He has publicly stated that he believes Anthony should have been convicted of manslaughter rather than murder and that the 35-year sentence was too harsh. Despite that position Metcalf said he accepted it and welcomed Carter onto the board. The two men first met at a press conference last year and say they found shared purpose in preventing future tragedies regardless of their differences.
“I don’t work with people because of skin color. I work with people because of purpose,” Carter said.
,Through the foundation young people will learn how to pause before reacting, manage anger and fear, communicate under pressure, walk away from unnecessary conflict and understand the consequences of impulsive decisions.,
Austin’s twin brother Hunter is also a board member of the foundation. Next week would have marked the twins’ 19th birthday, a milestone that Jeff Metcalf says is a painful reminder of everything his son never got the chance to become. He said he is proud of Hunter while simultaneously feeling broken over Austin’s absence.
Attorneys for Karmelo Anthony are currently appealing his murder conviction.