"A Prayer for Both Sides": Grieving Father Feels 'Disrespected' After Reaching Out to Son’s Killer’s Family

 

When Jeff Metcalf arrived at the hospital on that rainy April evening, he already sensed his life would never be the same. His 17-year-old son Austin, a bright high school senior with a promising future, had been stabbed during a track meet — in front of hundreds of stunned students and coaches. But what Jeff couldn’t have foreseen was that even in his grief, his compassion would be met with scorn.

Austin Metcalf died in the arms of his identical twin brother, Hunter, shortly after a sudden altercation with another student turned fatal. His alleged attacker, another 17-year-old student, Karmelo Davis, was arrested at the scene and later charged with murder. While the Frisco community mourned the death of one of its most beloved student-athletes, the Metcalf family found themselves processing their sorrow in an unexpected and deeply spiritual way.

“I lost my son,” Jeff told reporters during a candlelight vigil. “But I didn’t lose my faith. I didn’t lose my belief that every human, even in their worst moment, deserves grace.”

In a bold act that both moved and perplexed many, Jeff requested to meet with the family of the accused. He explained that he wanted to pray — not only for healing within his own family but also for the family of the boy who took Austin’s life.

“I needed to pray with them,” he said. “Not because I condone what happened, but because I believe pain doesn’t live on just one side of a tragedy. Two families are broken now.”

His gesture was not welcomed universally. According to Jeff, when he reached out to Davis’ family, his request was denied — and later, he learned through mutual contacts that his offer had been mocked privately.

“They said I was trying to 'play saint' or score points with the media,” Jeff said, his voice wavering. “I wasn’t. I was trying to keep another boy from becoming just a villain in a headline. I wanted to see if we could stop the cycle. But I was shut down. And yeah, I felt disrespected.”

Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, stood by his father’s decision, though he admitted it was a difficult one to process.

“I still wake up expecting him to be there,” Hunter said. “We shared everything. I saw what happened. I heard him cry out. And even though I’m still angry, if my dad can try to forgive, I have to try, too.”

Austin Metcalf was more than just a name in a tragic story. A standout student with a 4.1 GPA, he was already being courted by several colleges for both academic and athletic scholarships. Teachers described him as “focused, humble, and kind.” On weekends, he volunteered at a local shelter with his church youth group. His death sent shockwaves through Liberty High School and the greater Frisco community.

Principal Valerie Chen said the school was working to address student trauma through grief counselors and mental health programming. “We are not just mourning Austin,” she said, “we’re mourning the innocence of a space where students once felt safe.”

The incident itself stemmed from what police have called “a minor disagreement” — reportedly over reserved seating at the event. Within minutes, it escalated. According to the police affidavit, Karmelo Davis pulled a knife and stabbed Austin once in the chest before attempting to flee. He was quickly detained by school security and later admitted to the stabbing during questioning, saying he “didn’t mean to kill him, just scare him.”

Legal experts say Davis could face up to 99 years in prison if convicted. His family has retained a private attorney, but they have not spoken publicly. Community reactions have varied — some demand the harshest penalty, while others echo Jeff’s call for compassion.

Reverend Troy McCune, who leads the Metcalf family’s church, said Jeff’s actions should be seen as “radical mercy,” a rare gesture in today’s culture of quick judgment and outrage.

“We are conditioned to seek vengeance. Jeff chose peace. That doesn’t mean he’s not grieving. It means he’s choosing to transform pain into purpose.”

Still, not everyone agrees. Social media lit up with opinions following Jeff’s public statement. Some called him "naïve" or “attention-seeking.” Others suggested his forgiveness could be interpreted as weakness in a legal system that too often fails victims.

Jeff, however, is undeterred.

“I’m not asking anyone to understand,” he said. “I just know what Austin would’ve wanted. He didn’t hate people. He wouldn’t want this boy to rot. He would’ve wanted change.”

The Metcalfs have since established the “Austin’s Light Foundation,” aimed at preventing youth violence through mentorship, education, and restorative justice practices. Their first initiative, launching this fall, will focus on training high school students in conflict resolution and emotional regulation.

As the trial for Davis approaches, Jeff says he will attend every day — not in vengeance, but in witness.

“I want him to know I see him,” Jeff said. “I want him to know what he took from us. But I also want him to know I believe in second chances.”

For now, the Metcalf family is navigating grief the only way they know how — together, in love, and in prayer.

“Forgiveness,” Jeff says, “isn’t the end of pain. But it’s the beginning of healing.”

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