A Texas teenager charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of another student at a high school track meet has had his bond significantly reduced, allowing him to return home under strict conditions. Karmelo Anthony, 17, was released from the Collin County jail on April 14, 2025, after a judge lowered his bond from $1 million to $250,000 during a hearing that attracted considerable attention from both families involved and the public.
The incident occurred on April 2, 2025, at the David Kuykendall Stadium during a UIL District 11-5A track meet, where Anthony is accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a junior at Frisco Memorial High School. Witnesses reported that the altercation began when Metcalf asked Anthony to move from under a tent designated for their team, leading to a confrontation that escalated quickly.
According to an arrest report, Anthony allegedly reached into his bag and warned Metcalf, "Touch me and see what happens." After Metcalf physically tried to move him, Anthony reportedly pulled out a black knife and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest. Metcalf was pronounced dead less than an hour later, with his twin brother reportedly trying to stop the bleeding.
In the courtroom, Judge Angela Tucker considered several factors in her decision to reduce Anthony's bond, including his age, lack of prior criminal history, and strong ties to the community. Anthony's defense attorney, Mike Howard, argued that the initial bond was excessive given these circumstances and requested a reduction to $150,000. The prosecution contended that the severity of the crime warranted the higher bond, describing it as a "brutal murder."
During the bond hearing, it was revealed that the Anthony family had raised over $412,000 on the crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo to support Karmelo's legal defense and cover living expenses due to the pressures surrounding the case. However, Anthony's father explained that they did not have immediate access to these funds, leading to questions about why they could not use the donations to pay the original bond.
Howard clarified that the raised funds were primarily intended for long-term legal expenses, including hiring experts and investigators. "This family needs to be able to survive. There’s been a tremendous amount of pressure, and security details and criminal defense are not cheap," he stated outside the courthouse.
Following the judge's ruling, Karmelo Anthony was placed on house arrest, fitted with an ankle monitor, and ordered to remain at home under the supervision of a parent or designated adult. He is prohibited from using social media and must check in with the court every Friday. These conditions aim to ensure both his compliance with the legal process and the safety of the community.
As Karmelo walked out of the jail, he faced a barrage of questions from reporters about the incident and his alleged victim. Ignoring the inquiries, he maintained a stoic demeanor, reflecting the intense scrutiny surrounding the case.
The case has sparked significant public interest and debate, with many calling for a careful examination of the circumstances leading to the stabbing. Both families involved have expressed their grief and the challenges they face. Jeff Metcalf, Austin's father, described his son as a talented athlete and an honor student, emphasizing the profound loss felt by their family. He noted that Austin was not only a star player on his football team but also a dedicated student with dreams of playing college football.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Collin County District Attorney's office is preparing to present the case to a grand jury, which will determine whether Anthony will be indicted and face trial. DA Greg Willis emphasized the need for a fact-based approach, stating, "What we are concerned about as prosecutors is justice, truth, and accountability, and we will go where the facts lead us." He acknowledged the tragic nature of the case, noting the impact on both families and the community.
In the wake of this incident, there have been calls from both sides for the public to refrain from making threats or engaging in inflammatory rhetoric. The defense attorney highlighted the importance of maintaining a level-headed perspective during such a turbulent time, stating, "It's hard for everybody to be levelheaded at a time like this. So that's where we come in."
The upcoming weeks will be crucial as the legal process continues, with both families seeking justice and understanding amid the tragic circumstances. The community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of this incident on local safety and youth interactions.
