Karmelo Anthony’s representatives say the accused teen has been “forced to evacuate” his residence in Texas because he and his family have been harassed on multiple occasions.
As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, Anthony, 17, fatally stabbed Austin Metcalf, who was also 17, during an altercation at a Frisco track meet on April 2. Anthony’s bond was initially set at $1 million after he was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
He was, however, ultimately released on April 14 after a judge reduced his bond to $250,000. Anthony’s attorney, Deric Walpole, also previously told reporters that the teen is claiming self-defense.
In a statement on Monday, the organization assisting Anthony as he battles his murder case, Next Generation Action Network, claimed that the accused teen and his family have been subjected to “death threats, continued harassment, and physical intimidation” after he was arrested, TMZ reported. NGAN said this has resulted in the teen relocating from his Texas home to an “undisclosed” address.
The NGAN in their statement also provided videos and photos to back their claims of Anthony and his family being harassed after the fatal incident. The videos include the Anthonys having to deal with pizza delivery drivers who came to their home to fulfill orders they knew nothing about.
In another video, a man is seen making his way to the front door of the family’s home and subsequently leaving. The man is also seemingly seen taking photos of the home. The NGAN also shared a photo of a mail that was allegedly delivered to the Anthonys’ home, saying that the package had Metcalf’s obituary in it.
“It is both heartbreaking and infuriating to see the depths of hate and bigotry still alive and well in our society,” NGAN president Dominique Alexander said in a statement. “No family should have to live under siege simply because they are demanding their constitutional rights.”
“We will not be silent, and we will not back down. We are committed to doing whatever is necessary to protect this family and to ensure that justice is pursued without intimidation or fear.”
