Three Disturbing Texas Murders Committed by Teenagers

When we think about murder, we don't typically imagine that the person behind it could be young enough to have homework and a curfew.

Unfortunately, some of the most heinous crimes in Texas history have been committed by teens, leaving families devastated and communities struggling to cope.

These three cases are particularly heartbreaking.

Karmelo Anthony: A High School Track Meet Turns Deadly

In April of 2025, a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, turned deadly when 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony stabbed fellow student Austin Metcalf, also only 17, during a heated confrontation.

Anthony maintained that he was acting in self-defense, but ultimately, the jury convicted him of murder.

His request for a new trial was denied in August 2026, but his attorneys are still pursuing an appeal.

What should have been a normal school sporting event ended with one dead teen and another sentenced to remain behind bars for decades.

Benjamin Elliot: The Twin Brother Who Claimed He Was Sleepwalking

In September of 2021, 17-year-old Benjamin Elliot stabbed his twin sister, Meghan, to death inside their home near Katy, Texas.

Elliot claims he was sleepwalking at the time and believed he was dreaming when the attack occurred.

While his defense team presented expert testimony to support the possibility of a sleep disorder, prosecutors challenged their explanation.

Elliot was convicted of murder in 2025 and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

In September of 2026, the Texas Fourteenth Court of Appeals upheld his conviction. They rejected his argument that the evidence submitted at trial was insufficient and that the court had improperly denied a hearing on his request for a new trial.

Paris Lee Bennett: A Horrifying Crime in Abilene, Texas

In February of 2007, Paris Lee Bennett, 13, murdered his little sister Ella inside their Abilene home. She was only 4 years old.

Bennet later acknowledged that he did it on purpose to hurt their mother emotionally.

As such, he received a 40-year sentence.

This gained national attention, mainly because of the complicated relationship between Bennett and his mother, Charity Lee, who has discussed publicly that she has forgiven her son even though she continues to grieve her daughter.

You can learn more about Bennett's case in the documentary film The Family I Had.

Three Crimes That Left Families Shattered

These cases are only a terrible reminder that extreme violence is not limited to adults.

Try to remember the families who were affected when you read headlines such as these.

The most disturbing thing isn't that the perpetrators were young.

It's how much life was stolen from the innocent people who are no longer with us.