Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old accused of fatally stabbing another teen during an altercation at a Texas track, was on Monday released after posting a $250,000 bond. Per CBS News, Anthony’s release came after a judge reduced his bond from $1 million to $250,000.
Anthony, who is facing a first-degree murder charge, was said to be in the company of a few people when he left the jail. Anthony’s parents were, however, not spotted, though his other relatives and the family of Austin Metcalf – the teen he is accused of killing – were present at the Collin County Courthouse.
“Unfortunately, as is common in our culture, especially lately, the vitriol and, you know, public reaction one way or the other has been intense and threats and talk of race, war and all kinds of insanity, isn’t good for, obviously, the Anthony family,” defense attorney Mike Howard said. “It’s not good for the Metcalf family. It’s not good for the peace and safety of our community.”
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Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis also admitted that “it’s hard for everybody to be levelheaded at a time like this. So that’s where we come in.” Willis added: “It’s our job to be levelheaded, to be fact-based, and to follow the truth wherever it leads.”
In the wake of the hearing, an appeal was made to the public to refrain from threatening, harassing, and also targeting the Anthony and Metcalf families with violent speech, CBS News reported.
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Per the conditions of his release, Anthony has been ordered to wear an ankle monitor and reside at his parents’ residence. He is also to be under adult supervision by a recognized adult. Additionally, Anthony is barred from establishing contact with his classmates, participating in school-related activities, and going on social media. The accused teen also is required to report to the court every Friday for a check-in.
As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, Anthony fatally stabbed Metcalf, 17, during an altercation at a Frisco track meet on April 2. His attorney, Deric Walpole, previously told reporters the teen is claiming self-defense, as reported by Daily Mail.
Following Anthony’s arrest, an online fundraiser was launched on his behalf, and over $400,000 has since been raised for him.
“This is the Official Support Fund for Karmelo and his family during this challenging and difficult time,” reads Anthony’s page at GiveSendGo.com.
“The narrative being spread is false, unjust, and harmful. As a family of faith, we are deeply grateful for all of your support during this trying period. Your prayers and assistance mean more to us now more than ever.”
Anthony allegedly confessed to fatally stabbing Metcalf in the heart, telling the police, “I did it”. An officer also reports Anthony told him: “I was protecting myself.”
Witnesses say an argument broke out between Metcalf and Anthony, a student from Centennial High School, after Metcalf allegedly asked Anthony to leave Memorial’s pop-up tent during a rainstorm, according to a police report.
Anthony allegedly reached into his gym bag and told Metcalf: “Touch me and we’ll see what happens.” According to a witness, Metcalf pushed Anthony, who then pulled out a knife, stabbed Metcalf in the chest, and fled the scene.
