Karmelo Anthony Released on House Arrest After Fatal Stabbing of Austin Metcalf at Texas Track Meet
A 17-year-old boy charged with the fatal stabbing of a fellow student at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, has been released on house arrest after his bond was reduced. Karmelo Anthony, who allegedly stabbed Austin Metcalf, 17, during a confrontation at the track meet, was booked into the Collin County Jail on April 2. According to the Independent, which first reported the incident, Anthony’s bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000 on Monday, and he was released from jail after his family posted the bond.
Anthony’s defense attorneys, led by Mike Howard, had argued that the $1 million bond was excessive and that their client was not a flight risk. During a hearing on Monday, Anthony’s father testified that his son was an "A" student and the captain of his football and track teams. He also stated that he was the sole provider for his family and could not afford the $1 million bond. According to the Independent‘s source, prosecutors did not call any witnesses during the hearing but questioned Anthony’s father about a separate "assault" case that Anthony was allegedly involved in on February 4.
In an interview with the Independent, Howard suggested that Anthony would claim self-defense in his upcoming trial. "Every Texan deserves the right to defend themselves when they reasonably fear for their life," Howard said. "Self-defense is a protection that applies to each and every one of us. There are two sides to every story. Karmelo is a 17-year-old kid and an excellent student. He is the captain of his track team and the captain of his football team. This is a tragedy all the way around for both families."
The Independent reported that Anthony allegedly stabbed Metcalf once in the chest during a verbal confrontation at the track meet. According to witnesses, Anthony complied with officers and asked if Metcalf was going to be alright and if his actions would be considered self-defense. The Collin County District Attorney’s office has stated that they will continue to pursue the facts in the case, but have not commented further on the investigation.
The Independent also reported that Anthony’s family had received $412,000 in donations, but the money was not being used to pay his bond. Instead, the family was using the funds to pay for rent and bills, as they had to take time off work to deal with their son’s legal battle. Howard explained that the family needed to be able to survive and that the pressure on them had been tremendous.
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis stated that the state would continue to pursue the facts in the case, but noted that the killing had caused heightened emotions in the Texas community. "We will go where the facts lead us," he told reporters outside the courthouse. "It is hard for everyone to be level-headed at a time like this. It’s our job to be level-headed, to be fact-based and follow the truth wherever it may lead."
The judge ruled in favor of the defense, reducing Anthony’s bond and establishing guidelines for his house arrest. Anthony will be required to wear an ankle monitor and stay inside his parents’ home. The Independent will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
According to the Independent, Anthony’s release on house arrest has sparked mixed reactions in the community, with some calling for justice for Metcalf and his family. The incident has also raised questions about the use of self-defense in Texas and the rights of minors in the US justice system. The Independent will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the case progresses.
The incident has also sparked an outpouring of support for both families, with a fundraiser set up for Metcalf’s family and a separate fundraiser for Anthony’s legal fees. The Independent has learned that the community has come together to support both families during this difficult time.
In a statement to the Independent, Metcalf’s family expressed their gratitude for the support they have received. "We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, but we are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community," they said. "We hope that justice will be served and that Karmelo will be held accountable for his actions."
The Independent will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
