The family of Karmelo Anthony, the Texas teenager accused of fatally stabbing another high school student at a track meet, is considering taking extra security measures after his release on a reduced bond. Anthony, 17, was able to post a $250,000 bond and was released from jail on Monday. He will be under house arrest until his trial for the murder of Austin Metcalf in Frisco on April 2.
His defense attorney, Mike Howard, had initially requested a reduction in Anthony’s bond to $150,000, arguing that the original $1 million bond was excessive given Anthony’s lack of prior criminal history. Howard stated that the family is now looking into moving to a gated community and hiring security to ensure their safety, especially that of Anthony’s younger siblings.
Anthony has been fitted with an ankle monitor and is only allowed to leave his house with prior approval from the court. He must be supervised by a parent or designated adult at all times and check in with the judge’s bailiff every Friday morning.
An online fundraiser set up for Anthony’s legal costs has raised over $430,000 for his family. During cross-examination, Anthony’s parents explained that accessing the funds raised was not as simple as making a phone call and that a significant portion of the money has already been used for his legal defense.
Anthony’s legal team maintains that he acted in self-defense when he allegedly stabbed Metcalf to death during the track meet following an argument over seating. Howard emphasized that every Texan has the right to defend themselves when they fear for their life and that self-defense applies to everyone. He described Anthony as a 17-year-old student, captain of both the track and football teams, and expressed condolences to both families involved in the tragic incident.
When asked about why Anthony was armed with a knife at the track meet, Howard declined to provide an explanation, stating that it would be irresponsible to speculate and urged the public to withhold judgment.
The family is now focused on ensuring their safety and supporting Anthony through the legal process as they navigate this difficult situation.
