The family of Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old student who was tragically killed earlier this month during a track meet in Frisco, Texas, is now facing even more pain.
In addition to grieving their loss, they have become victims of a cruel and dangerous prank known as swatting — with police being wrongly sent to their homes multiple times.
What Is Swatting?
Swatting happens when someone makes a false emergency call to police, claiming that a serious crime is happening at a certain address. The aim is to trick police — sometimes even a SWAT team — into rushing to the location.
While some might see it as a prank, swatting is extremely dangerous. Victims are caught off guard, and in some cases, people have been seriously injured or even killed when police stormed homes expecting armed criminals.
Swatting originally became known through attacks on video streamers who broadcast live, but now, sadly, it is being used against grieving families too.
The Metcalf Family’s Experience With Swatting
According to Frisco Police, they received a false call on Monday claiming a gun had been fired at the Metcalf family’s home.
When officers arrived, they quickly realized that there was no shooting — it was another swatting attempt.
This was the third swatting incident targeting the Metcalf family:
- The first happened on April 8 at Austin’s mother’s house.
- The second took place on April 17 at his father’s house.
- The third occurred on April 22 at the family property.
Police are reportedly investigating these false reports, but so far, no details have been shared publicly.
Making a false report to the police is a Class A misdemeanor in Texas, carrying penalties of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Lawmakers are currently working on stricter punishments for swatting because of the risks involved.
How Austin Metcalf Lost His Life
Austin Metcalf was killed on April 2, 2025, during a track meet at Memorial High School. According to police, Karmelo Anthony, another 17-year-old student, was sitting under the school’s tent even though he was not a student there.
Witnesses say Austin asked Karmelo to leave.
Karmelo allegedly said, “Touch me and see what happens,” according to the arrest affidavit.
When Austin tried to remove him from the tent, Karmelo reportedly pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed Austin.
Karmelo Anthony was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
After being released on house arrest, Anthony’s family also began receiving threats and had to move him to an undisclosed location for his safety.
Ongoing Tensions and Community Reactions
As the tragedy unfolded, both families found themselves dragged into bigger political and social debates. In particular, Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father, spoke out when a group of racists led by a Capitol riot defendant tried to use his son’s death for their own agenda.
They held a protest at the school where Austin died. Jeff Metcalf made it clear he did not support them, calling their leader a “piece of trash” who was using his family’s grief for personal publicity.