A Collin County judge has significantly reduced the bond for a 17-year-old accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf at a Frisco high school track meet on April 2nd. Karmelo Anthony now faces a $250,000 bond, a considerable decrease from the initial $1 million.
Anthony’s new attorney, Mike Howard, stated that his client will post bail, though he could not specify when this would occur. “I anticipate that he will be able to make bond,” Howard said. “I can’t speak to how quickly that will go. The funds that have been raised are not quick to come out and then there’s obviously a process to the release process once bond is posted.”
The tragedy occurred during a track meet, where Metcalf, also 17, was stabbed and succumbed to his injuries in the arms of his twin brother. A GoFundMe campaign launched by Anthony’s family has already raised nearly $415,000.
Conditions for Anthony’s release include:
- House arrest
- Ankle monitoring
- Permission from the judge required to leave his home.
Howard emphasized his client’s perspective, stating, “Every Texan has the right to defend themselves when they reasonably fear for their life. Self-defense is a protection that applies to each and every one of us. There are two sides to every story.” He further commented on the case, saying, “This is a tragedy all the way around for both families. Rushing to judgment, trial by public perception, and trial by media is not how we ensure justice is done. We are confident that, after a full investigation, that the truth will come out.”
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis confirmed that the case will be presented to a grand jury following an ongoing investigation by Frisco Police Department. “The judge has made the call, and so what’s important is what’s next,” he stated.
Due to Anthony’s status as a juvenile, the death penalty or life without parole are not possible sentencing options, in accordance with the 2005 Supreme Court ruling in *Roper v. Simmons*.
Austin Metcalf was laid to rest on Saturday. His father, Jeff Metcalf, spoke publicly earlier this week, saying, “My son is gone, and he’ll never come home again.” He pleaded for compassion over politicization: “Do not politicize this… This is a human being thing. This person made a bad choice and affected both his family and my family forever.”
Metcalf continued, “People ask me, how can you forgive this other person? I said I forgive the other person because the forgiveness is not for him. The forgiveness is for me so I can have peace.” He concluded with a heartbreaking statement: “His life is destroyed. My life is destroyed.”
According to arrest reports, the altercation began when Anthony allegedly confronted Metcalf under a tent at the track meet, reportedly telling him, “Touch me and see what happens.” A witness reported that Anthony then retrieved a knife from his bag and stabbed Metcalf.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers cuffed Anthony. The arrest report indicates that he claimed to be acting in self-defense. He also inquired about Metcalf’s condition and whether the situation could be considered “self-defense.” The report further noted blood on Anthony’s left middle finger.
In a “spontaneous statement” reported by officers, Anthony stated, “I’m not alleged, I did it.”
