The teenager who confessed to high school student Austin Metcalf during a scuffle at a track meet told police it was in self defense. “I’m not alleged, I did it,” said the 17-year-old, who – contrary to witness testimonials – insists he was “protecting” himself when he buried a knife into the heart of a fellow athlete.

After police arrived, ABC reports the affidavit states that Karmelo told police “I was protecting myself.”

And, as he was escorted off the track, the teen then claimed that Austin had “put his hands on [him],” later asking if his actions could be considered self-defense.

He then clarified, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” and when Karmelo was “crying hysterically” in the back seat of the cruiser, the officer noted there was fresh blood on the teen’s “left middle finger.”