After a court significantly lowered his bond, Karmelo Anthony, 17, who is accused of fatally stabbing another student during a high school track meet in Frisco earlier this month, was released from custody on Monday.
In the courtroom, emotions
The Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf case has sparked intense feelings across the US, and the events surrounding it are still developing at a rapid pace.
According to Texas law, Anthony Karmelo faces a murder accusation and, if found guilty, may get a sentence of five to 99 years in jail.
However, Collin County Judge Angela Tucker lowered 17-year-old Karmelo’s bond from $1 million to $250,000 on Monday, a move that has triggered a backlash from the public and rekindled feelings.
In the courtroom, there were conflicting reactions to the ruling. Meghan Metcalf, Austin’s mother, lowered her head and started crying. About ten of Anthony’s supporters, including friends and family, were seated on the other side.
After lowering the amount, Judge Tucker placed Anthony under house arrest, ordered him to wear an ankle monitor, prohibited him from traveling without permission from the court, and required him to be supervised by an adult at all times. He is not allowed to use social media or get in touch with the Metcalf family.
“Bond, as the judge said, is not supposed to be an instrument of oppression,” defense lawyer Mike Howard said during a press conference, describing the decision as “fair.” It is meant to guarantee that an individual appears in court, fulfills all requirements, and maintains public safety.
“As a senior at Centennial High School and captain of the football and track teams, Anthony has no criminal history, is a U.S. citizen, and has strong community ties,” Howard pointed out. According to Dallas News, he went on to say, “Every Texan has the right to defend themselves when they reasonably fear for their lives.”
An emotional statement from Anthony’s dad
Just under two weeks after the town was rocked by the tragic stabbing, the courtroom was packed Monday morning.
The sole witness called to testify, Karmelo’s father Andrew Anthony, told the court that he relocated his family from Baton Rouge to North Texas in search of “a better life.”
He said Karmelo was a role model for his three younger siblings and an honor student who worked two part-time jobs.
Andrew stated that he has taken a leave of absence from his position as finance manager after Karmelo’s arrest on April 2. Given that his wife is a stay-at-home mother, the financial strain has been unbearable, particularly after the initial $1 million bond was established. Over $415,000 has been raised for Karmelo through a GiveSendGo fundraiser, however according to Andrew’s testimony, the money is still unavailable and is intended for legal defense rather than bail.
Howard informed the judge, “It is not a bond fund, but it would be dishonest to say there isn’t money.” This family must be able to make it through.
The deadly encounter
The event happened at roughly 10 a.m. at a District 11-5A track meet at Kuykendall Stadium during a weather delay. The arrest document stated that Karmelo had sought refuge inside a Memorial High School tent. He and Austin Metcalf got into a fight after he was asked to leave.
According to a witness, Austin allegedly grabbed Karmelo after he warned, “Touch me and see what happens.”
According to reports, Karmelo then took a black knife out of his luggage and gave Austin a single stab wound to the chest. Later, Karmelo claimed to have acted in self-defense, telling investigators, “I was protecting myself.” He touched me with his hands. He said, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” when called the “alleged suspect.”
Austin, a Memorial High School linebacker, passed away due to a cardiac injury. Hunter, his twin brother, was present when he passed away. According to Jeff Metcalf, their father, they were identical twins. “He passed away in his brother’s arms while his brother was clinging to him and attempting to stop the bleeding.”
The family of Metcalf speaks out
Austin, who has a 4.0 GPA and aspirations to play collegiate football, is a bright, motivated student-athlete, according to Jeff and Meghan Metcalf.
Meghan told WFAA that “he was the most amazing kid.” “Very intelligent. He wanted to play collegiately.
Still in shock, Hunter recalled how they used to play together in the field. “Despite our similar ages, he was a big brother,” he remarked. “He went above and beyond for our family.”
Over $300,000 has been raised by the family’s GoFundMe effort, Honoring Austin Metcalf: Help His Family Heal. In honor of Austin, Halo Pizzeria held a fundraiser on April 14 and donated 25% of its sales to help cover the Metcalfs’ burial costs and legal fees.
A split community
The decision on Monday has sparked intense debate and strong feelings. Given Anthony’s youth and clean record, some internet commentators applauded the judge’s ruling.
One fan wrote, “Innocent until proven guilty.” Others were indignant: “Why? One commentator stated, “The other boy will never be able to go home.” Another said, “Observe his grin. Nothing will absolve him of his guilt.
Many blamed parents, kids, and school administrators for failing to recognize warning signs, pointing to systemic problems. Frisco ISD was criticized for its lack of accountability after handling a previous dispute with Karmelo internally.
The bond decrease was hailed by civil rights group Next Generation Action Network (NGAN). In a statement, NGAN acknowledged that it is assisting Anthony’s family in navigating the legal system and urged further donations for his defense, saying, “This is a much-needed window of relief.”
Awaiting the trial
The matter is still being reviewed and will be brought before a grand jury, which will decide whether to indict Karmelo, according to district attorney Greg Willis.
“As prosecutors, justice, truth, and accountability are our top priorities,” he stated.
Willis recognized the suffering experienced by both parties. Losing a child is the most abnormal thing that can happen to a parent. “It’s profound, it’s permanent, and it’s definitely premature,” he stated. “The loss experienced by the Anthony family is different, but it is still a loss.”
Just after 4:20 p.m. on Monday, Karmelo was freed from detention and walked out of the Collin County Detention Facility with fans and members of his legal team at his side.
He came out wearing a black collared shirt and a gray suit jacket. He looked directly ahead, blazing a trail to a waiting car, unfazed by the noise and bustle. The Daily Mail claims that despite being bombarded with inquiries concerning 17-year-old Austin Metcalf—the teenager who passed away in his twin brother’s arms following the stabbing on April 2—Anthony remained composed.
According to video released by Fox 4, a reporter asked Karmelo, “Karmelo, why were you armed at school?” during his little stroll.
“Describe how you defend yourself. How did this self-defense go? She hurried, following Anthony and his group.
Do you want to say something to the victim, Karmelo? To the victim’s relatives?
Billy Clark and Kim T. Cole, Anthony’s lawyers, offered their condolences to the Metcalf family and underlined their client’s entitlement to due process. They continued, “We ask for prayers for both families.” “There will undoubtedly be a long journey ahead.”