Details of the Incident

Karmelo Anthony, a senior at Centennial High School, has been accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf, who was also 17, amidst a conflict during the UIL District 11-5A track meet at Kuykendall Stadium. According to witnesses and police reports, the altercation escalated when Metcalf confronted Anthony, leading to Anthony allegedly retrieving a weapon and stabbing Metcalf in the chest.

Family’s Public Statement

The press conference, held amid public scrutiny, began with Dominique Alexander, an advisor to the Anthony family, addressing the presence of Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father, who was escorted from the venue by law enforcement prior to the event. Alexander highlighted the family’s ongoing challenges:

“I want to start off this press conference to say something as a deep note. The father being at this press conference is a disrespect to the dignity of his son,” Alexander stated.

The comments underscore the heightened emotions surrounding the case, with serious implications for both families involved.

Karmelo’s Mother Speaks Out

Kayla Hayes, the mother of Karmelo Anthony, delivered a heartfelt statement detailing the intense personal struggles her family has faced since the incident:

“As a family, we have endured threats, harassment, and an overwhelming amount of misinformation since my son’s arrest … The threats have affected us all, especially my younger children,” she said.

She also addressed accusations regarding an online fundraising campaign, asserting that the family had not directly benefited financially and that media claims were misleading:

“The claims about the public donation are completely false. We have not received a single dime from the fund,” Hayes clarified.

Hayes articulated her desire for justice and due process for Karmelo, emphasizing the values her family holds:

“Our son deserves the same rights under the law that everyone has,” she asserted.

Legal Developments and Safety Concerns

In a related legal proceeding, Karmelo’s bond was recently reduced from $1 million to $250,000, with terms of his release involving house arrest and continued monitoring. He will be required to check in weekly with authorities and maintain no contact with the Metcalf family.

Following the incident, increased security measures have been implemented at the Collin County courthouse to protect all parties involved amid rising tensions and threats.

The Community’s Response

The case has attracted substantial media attention, raising concerns about the impact of miscommunication on both families involved. The Anthony family has received support through a campaign that has reportedly amassed over $450,000, aimed at securing safety and legal services while dispelling false narratives.