Karmelo Anthony, 17, from Frisco, Texas, finds himself under house arrest after being released on a significantly reduced bond. Originally held on a $1 million bond for the alleged murder of another teenager, Austin Metcalf, his bond was cut to $250,000 by a judge, leading to his release pending trial
Fox 4 reported that Karmelo Anthony now awaits trial under stringent conditions following a violent altercation that led to the death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet.
The altercation took place on April 2, 2025, at Kuykendall Stadium during the UIL District 11- 5A track meet.
It is alleged that Anthony stabbed Metcalf in the chest following an argument, leading to Metcalf's immediate death.
Upon securing his release, Anthony must adhere to a strict set of conditions laid out by the court. These include mandatory house arrest, wearing an ankle monitor for movement tracking, and avoiding any form of contact with the victim’s family.
Additionally, he is prohibited from using social media platforms and must make weekly check-ins with the judge's bailiff.
The bond reduction came after Anthony's parents provided testimony regarding their son's character and financial strains. They emphasized that their son, an active sports participant and a responsible student, had no prior criminal record, arguing that the previously set bond was unnecessarily high.
The hearing, presided over by Judge Angela Tucker of the 199th Judicial District Court, illuminated both the family's burden and the nature of the charges. Tucker focused on the dual purpose of the bond: ensuring the defendant's court appearance and maintaining public safety.
At the bond hearing, the defense highlighted self-defense as a key element of their argument. Mike Howard, Anthony’s attorney, explained the importance of reconsidering the bond amount and urged the public to reserve judgment until all facts had surfaced. He emphasized that even in the face of tragic loss, the principles of justice must be upheld.
However, the prosecution questioned this narrative, pointing to the severity of bringing a knife to a school track meet.
Collin County First Assistant Bill Wirsky expressed skepticism about the necessity of the bond reduction given the significant funds raised through a family-initiated fundraising campaign.
The community remains divided on the issue as it wrestles with the sudden violence among its youth. Greg Willis, the Collin County District Attorney, remarked on the overall impact of the case on the community, stressing the need for a balanced and factual response from all fronts.
Austin Metcalf was remembered fondly at his memorial service held at Hope Fellowship Frisco East on April 12, followed by a private burial.
His father, Jeff Metcalf, shared heartfelt memories of his son, portraying him as a committed and enthusiastic leader both on the football field and off.
The loss of Metcalf has rippled across the community, influencing discussions about youth behavior, parental responsibility, and preemptive measures to prevent similar incidents.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community closely watches, hoping for justice and answers to the many questions that the tragic event has raised.