A Missouri woman has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly sending a series of death threats to Jeff Metcalf, the father of Austin Metcalf, who was killed during a high school track meet in April 2025. According to court documents cited by WSBT, the suspect, identified as Sharifa Nicole Henderson (also known as Riffa Henderson), was arrested on September 11, 2026.
Prosecutors allege that Henderson sent the threatening messages on June 9, 2026—the same day that Karmelo Anthony was convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Austin Metcalf. The indictment claims Henderson sent messages via Facebook Messenger stating, “Don’t worry. I’ll kill you next” and “I will hunt you forever until I kill you.”
U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs stated that investigators utilized phone and social media records to trace the messages to Henderson. The indictment includes three federal counts, with each charge carrying a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 upon conviction. “If you threaten to kill or harm jurors, judges, prosecutors or victims, we will treat those threats seriously,” Combs said in a statement reported by CBS News.
Authorities noted that the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf has previously drawn significant attention and tensions between the families of those involved in the case. Henderson remains in legal proceedings as the federal case moves forward.
Follow-up Questions
What is confirmed in this story?
Missouri Woman Indicted for Threatening Family of Murder Victim Federal prosecutors have indicted a Missouri woman for allegedly sending death threats to the father of murder victim Austin Metcalf following a conviction.
What should readers watch next?
Prosecutors allege that Henderson sent the threatening messages on June 9, 2026—the same day that Karmelo Anthony was convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Austin Metcalf.
What remains unclear: The available reporting does not yet fully settle the next step in the story.
Perspectives
Federal Prosecutors' View vs Victim's Family Perspective
Story lens
Federal Prosecutors' View
The U.S. Attorney's office frames these threats as an attack on the integrity of the judicial system. By pursuing federal charges, they signal that intimidation of victims and witnesses will be treated as a serious criminal offense, regardless of the emotional context of the underlying murder case
Victim's Family Perspective
The family of Austin Metcalf has been subjected to ongoing harassment following the 2025 incident. The indictment provides a formal legal mechanism to address the intimidation they have faced, aiming to secure their safety and hold the perpetrator accountable for the messages sent after the sentencing
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