A violent act at a Texas high school has stirred legal questions as the district attorney speaks publicly for the first time about the teen suspect’s fate.

The fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a track meet at Frisco High School has deeply affected the community. On April 9, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis spoke publicly for the first time, addressing questions about the legal process.

According to WFAA, Willis confirmed that 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who is charged with murder, cannot face the death penalty, citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2005 decision in Roper v. Simmons.

“The Supreme Court has said not only can you not seek the death penalty against someone who committed a crime when they’re 17, you can’t even get them life without parole. That would not be something we could do even if we wanted to,” Willis explained.

Concerns have also been raised about whether the trial might be moved out of Collin County. Addressing that, Willis said, “Ultimately, that’ll be a judge’s decision to make at the time of trial, but, yes, this happened in Collin County. I want Collin County citizens to be able to decide this.”

A bond hearing is scheduled for Monday morning, where Anthony’s attorneys are expected to request a reduction. Willis noted that the defense is likely to make that request but said the court will decide how it proceeds.

Frisco ISD Superintendent Mike Waldrip urged unity in a letter to parents following the tragedy. “Now more than ever, we must lean on one another. In the face of adversity, we will continue to stand together, with compassion, strength, and unwavering support for our students and each other,” Waldrip wrote.