The Brief
- The mother of murder suspect Karmelo Anthony spoke to the public for the first time since her son was arrested.
- Karmelo Anthony, 17, was arrested on April 2 after a fatal stabbing at a Frisco ISD track meet.
- Austin Metcalf, 17, was stabbed in the chest and died.
FRISCO, Texas – For the first time since their son’s arrest, the family of the 17-year-old accused in the stabbing death of another at a Frisco track meet on April 2, spoke to the public.
Karmelo Anthony, 17, is charged with murder for the stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet earlier this month.
Before the news conference
Austin Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, was at the news conference, but the Dallas Police Department arrived around 11:40 a.m. and asked him to leave. He walked out of the area with them.
Jeff Metcalf told FOX 4’s Casey Stegall that he wanted to hear what was said and did not have any plans to make a statement.
The news conference was supposed to begin at 11 a.m., but began just before noon.
Dominique Alexander opened the news conference by addressing the fact that Jeff Metcalf was in attendance, waiting for the news conference to begin.
“I want to start off this press conference to say something as a deep note. A deep note that I can tell America. What we seen at the beginning of this press conference. The father being at this press conference. These are my words, don’t quote anybody, is a disrespect to the dignity of his son.”
He went on to say, “it just shows you all the character. He was not invited. He knows that it is inappropriate to be near this family.”
Karmelo Anthony’s mother speaks
Kayla Hayes, Karmelo Anthony’s mother, spoke at the news conference. In an emotional statement, she explained what her family has gone through since her son’s arrest.
Here is her full statement:
Good afternoon. My name is Kayla Hayes. I am the mother of Karmelo Anthony. Three years ago, my family moved to North Texas, searching for a better life. Like so many other families, we wanted to give our children the future. We did not have. My husband worked hard every single day to provide for us, to make sure we are in the best financial position possible. As a stay-at-home mom, I made it my life’s mission to ensure our children are loved, nurtured and supported every step of the way.
In the wake of this tragic incident, our family has been under attack. Whatever you think that happened between Carmelo and the Metcalf boys, my three younger children, my husband and I didn’t do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed and lied about. The lies and false accusations that have been said about us, especially over the past week, has been overwhelming.
The lies and their implications put my family in danger, as well as everyone in our community, everyone involved in the investigation, from the police, the attorneys and the courts there. Our address and my husband’s previous employer’s address has been put on all social media platforms. My husband had to take a leave of absence because he’s afraid what may happen to our family. His mental health is deteriorating day by day. We have endured death threats. My 13-year-old daughter is afraid to sleep in her own bedroom because she’s fearful of what might happen to her.
And let me be clear, the claims, the claims that were used about the public donation, to buy a home or anything else are completely false. We have not received a single dime from the GiveSendGo fundraiser. And the co-founder has stated that clearly. In reality, we were just notified yesterday that we could begin to draw funds. And it still takes seven days to receive those funds. Once the request is made.
I don’t know why we are being targeted and discriminated against before a fair trial. Our son deserved the same rights under the law that everyone is afforded to. He’s been raised in a two-parent home with structure, stability, love, and we put God first in everything that we do. We believe in the Constitution. We believe in the laws of this state. But those laws must apply to all of us, not just some of us.
So be clear, when I speak publicly about specific details of what happened under the tent on that rainy and awful day, there’s an active investigation that everyone involved wants to be full and fair. We believe in the legal process and that is where the truth will come out.
For the family who experienced the loss, my heart goes out for you. So those who have supported my family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We ask for your continued support, patience and prayers as we navigate this difficult process. Thank you.
Prior to the news conference, NGAN issued a news release saying the family of Karmelo Anthony have “endured a wave of falsehoods, misinformation, and hateful attacks—some of which have been blatant, intentional misrepresentations of both the family and the ongoing legal case,” since his arrest.
The point of the gathering, they said, was to give the family a chance to speak for themselves about the case against their son.
The case has drawn national attention, resulting in threats and increased security at the Collin County courthouse.
NGAN initially stated the family would be taking questions, but they left the area as soon as their statements were over.
Has Karmelo Anthony been expelled from Frisco ISD?
What they’re saying
During the news conference on Thursday, Dominique Alexander said Frisco ISD has expelled Karmelo Anthony.
“Karmelo Anthony is a 3.7 GPA student, and if he doesn’t even go to class for the remainder of the year, he would graduate. Okay, we’ve asked that Frisco do not make a decision in this situation, but Frisco ISD has notified of their intent to expel Carmelo Anthony from school one month before his high school graduation. That just shows me that Frisco ISD is trying to push off the blame,” he said.
FOX 4’s Casey Stegall reached out to Frisco ISD for a statement.
The other side
While Frisco ISD cannot comment on an individual student’s disciplinary record due to student privacy law, we can provide general information about District protocol and relevant law.
If a student in Frisco ISD is charged with a serious crime, called a Title V felony, the District looks at the case and decides if the student should be disciplined. The student and their parents will get a letter explaining what the school recommends.
If the school recommends expulsion, which means the student is removed from school, the student is not allowed to go on any Frisco ISD property while the decision is being made. A meeting will be held where the student can share their side of the story and show any evidence. After the meeting, the District will decide whether to go through with the expulsion and will let the student and parents know.
If the student is expelled, they might still get schoolwork and education through a special program called JJAEP. If the student has already finished everything needed to graduate, the district may let them graduate early instead of going to JJAEP. Whether the student is expelled or chooses to graduate early, they still can’t go on any Frisco ISD property.
Frisco track meet stabbing
The backstory
Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old junior at Memorial High School in Frisco, was killed at a UIL District 11-5A track meet at Kuykendall Stadium on April 2.
Police said a student from Centennial High School in Frisco, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, stabbed Metcalf in the chest during a fight.
An arrest report said that Anthony told a school resource officer that Metcalf “put his hands” on him. After the officer mentioned to others that he had the alleged suspect in custody, the report states Anthony said, “I’m not alleged. I did it.”
The 17-year-old accused of fatally stabbing a Frisco student athlete during a track meet allegedly admitted to the crime. He also asked officers if his actions could be considered self-defense, according to a newly released arrest report.
The report states Anthony also asked the officers, “Is he going to be okay?” And he “asked if what happened could be considered self-defense.”
Witnesses told police that Anthony was sitting under the Memorial High School tent and was told to leave. Anthony allegedly told Metcalf “touch me and see what happens,” according to an arrest warrant affidavit. One witness told police that Metcalf then pushed Anthony to get him out of the tent. Anthony then reached into a bag and stabbed Metcalf.
Anthony was arrested charged with first-degree murder.
Karmelo Anthony’s house arrest
On Monday, a judge agreed to reduce his $1 million bond to $250,000. Hours after the bond was reduced, his family posted the bond and Anthony was placed on house arrest.
Details
After the judge granted his bond reduction, Anthony was given the terms of his release.
He was fitted with an ankle monitor and was placed on house arrest. He will only be allowed to leave the house if he has prior approval from the court. He is to be supervised by a parent or a designated adult at all times. He is not allowed to have any direct or indirect contact with Austin Metcalf’s family.
He is allowed to go to his attorney’s office for scheduled meetings that are approved by the court.
He must check in with the bailiff every Friday morning until the case is moved to a different court.
The court requires Anthony’s family to update their address with the Collin County Sheriff’s Office if they need to relocate for safety reasons.
Violating the bond conditions could land the 17-year-old back in the Collin County Jail.
The judge also advised Anthony to stay off of social media.
Karmelo Anthony Fundraiser
By the numbers
As of Thursday morning, a fundraiser on GiveSendGo had brought in more than $450,000. It has a goal of $500,000, which has been raised each time the previous goal has been set. It is not clear if GiveSendGo automatically updates the goal amount, or if the family has control over it.
A message on the page from Anthony’s family reads:
We are grateful for your support during this incredibly difficult time for Karmelo Anthony and his family. This fundraiser has been established to provide comprehensive assistance to the Anthony family as they navigate the many challenges surrounding Karmelo’s case.
While legal defense is a critical part of this journey, we want to make it clear that this fund is not solely dedicated to legal expenses. The funds raised will also support a range of urgent and necessary needs that have emerged as a result of this situation, including — but not limited to — the safe relocation of the Anthony family due to escalating threats to their safety and well-being, as well as basic living costs, transportation, counseling, and other security measures. We ask for your continued prayers, support, and solidarity. Your contribution not only helps protect and stabilize the family, but also serves as a powerful message of community care and resistance in the face of injustice. Thank you for standing with the Anthonys.
Read More: Frisco track meet stabbing: Karmelo Anthony fundraiser nears $300,000
Related Stories
Who was Austin Metcalf?
Austin Metcalf (Source: Jeff Metcalf)
Jeff Metcalf described his son as an honor student, a natural leader, and a talented athlete. He was also a twin.
“Austin was a leader. He led the football team. He was voted team MVP by his players and coaches,” he said. “He played inside. His brother plays outside. Football was his pride and joy. He was working on track and field to increase his speed.”
He and his sons went hunting together the weekend before the stabbing, something they loved to do together.
“I’m so fortunate to be able to spend that weekend, not knowing it was the last weekend I’ll ever spend with him,” Metcalf’s father said. “I was able to watch and be blessed, so much, to have such, both my sons are amazing. My other son is just crushed. I feel for him now, he won’t be the same. None of us will.”
The Source
Fundraising information comes from GiveSendGo. Information on the news conference is from NGAN. Background information on the stabbing comes from previous FOX 4 reporting.
