Update on the Frisco Stabbing Case
8:25 a.m. This story has updated with new information.
Introduction to the Case
There have been two “swatting” calls made to addresses linked to family members of the Frisco teenager who was fatally stabbed at a track meet earlier this month, according to police.
Grant Cottingham, a Frisco police spokesperson, said officers responded to a gunshot call to an address tied to Austin Metcalf’s family on the night of April 8. The call, he said, turned out to be false.
Meghan Metcalf, Austin’s mother, confirmed the incident to The Dallas Morning News Saturday and said no one was home at the time.
What is Swatting?
The Department of Homeland Security defines swatting as the act of making “malicious hoax calls” to authorities to draw a significant police response — often heavily-armed SWAT teams — to the target.
Crime in The News
Second Swatting Incident
Nine days later, on Thursday, another gunshot call was made to a different address linked to the Metcalf family. It was also a false report, according to police.
Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father, did not comment on the incident when reached Thursday night.
Related:Austin Metcalf’s family targeted in ‘swatting’ call Thursday, Frisco police say
Investigation and Consequences
Cottingham said Saturday morning that Frisco detectives are investigating these incidents, “as with any incidents involving swatting or other false reports.”
Those found to make swatting calls can face criminal charges, which can range in severity in part based on whether the targets of the calls are injured or killed.
The Stabbing Case
The stabbing case has drawn national attention. Police have said they are working with each family to ensure their safety as the case progresses.
Frisco police have not said that race played a role in the stabbing case, including the responding officers whose accounts were included in a police report obtained by The News. Much of the online discourse and disinformation has been along racial lines. Metcalf was white. Anthony is Black.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
Earlier Thursday, the parents of Karmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old teenager who is facing a murder charge in connection to the stabbing, had spoken publicly about the case for the first time. Jeff Metcalf was barred from attending the news conference.
Related:Family of Frisco stabbing suspect ‘under attack’ with harassment, threats, mother says
Conclusion
The Frisco stabbing case has been a tragic and disturbing incident that has drawn national attention. The swatting calls made to the Metcalf family’s addresses have added to the complexity and concern surrounding the case. As the investigation continues, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
Staff writers Jamie Landers and Chase Rogers contributed to this report.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is swatting?
A: Swatting is the act of making “malicious hoax calls” to authorities to draw a significant police response — often heavily-armed SWAT teams — to the target.
Q: What happened to the Metcalf family?
A: The Metcalf family received two swatting calls, one on April 8 and another nine days later, both of which were false reports.
Q: Is the stabbing case related to the swatting incidents?
A: The stabbing case and the swatting incidents are being investigated separately, but they are connected in that the swatting calls were made to addresses linked to the Metcalf family, who are involved in the stabbing case.
Q: What are the consequences of making swatting calls?
A: Those found to make swatting calls can face criminal charges, which can range in severity in part based on whether the targets of the calls are injured or killed.
