Karmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old high school student from Texas, has been released on a $250,000 bond. He had been in jail since April 2, accused of stabbing another teen, Austin Metcalf, during a fight at a school track meet. A judge in Collin County lowered his bond from $1 million after a hearing on Monday. The court ruled that Karmelo can stay at home under house arrest while he waits for his trial. He must wear an ankle monitor and have 24-hour supervision by his parents or another approved adult. The court made it clear he is not allowed to leave the house without permission.
Deadly Argument Over a Seat Ends in Tragedy
The stabbing happened after a fight between the two teens. Witnesses said the argument started over a seat in a pop-up tent. Both teens attended rival high schools and were at the track meet that day. According to police, Austin tried to push Karmelo out of the tent. Karmelo then pulled a knife from his backpack and stabbed Austin in the chest. The knife pierced Austin’s heart. He collapsed and died at the scene, held in the arms of his twin brother. The police arrested Karmelo and charged him with first-degree murder.
Karmelo Anthony Claims He Acted in Self-Defense
Karmelo told police he acted in self-defense. His family also made a public statement saying the version of events spreading online is false and harmful. They believe the public is judging Karmelo unfairly. They are asking people to wait until the court reveals the full truth. The family set up a fundraiser on GiveSendGo to help pay for legal fees. Supporters have already donated over $415,000. The family is using the money to pay for legal help and get ready for the upcoming trial.
Teen Will Not Face Death Penalty or Life Without Parole
Even if Karmelo is found guilty, he will not face the death penalty. He also cannot receive a sentence of life without parole. That’s because he was only 17 at the time of the crime. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said the Supreme Court has ruled against such punishments for minors. We cannot seek the death penalty or life without parole for someone who is under 18,” he said in a statement. The case will still move forward, but Karmelo’s age limits the available sentence options.
High-Powered Lawyers Take Over the Defense
Karmelo’s family hired two well-known lawyers from Dallas. The first is Kim Cole, a civil rights attorney. She became widely known after she represented a black teen girl whom a police officer threw to the ground at a Texas pool party. That case ended with a $148,850 settlement for the teen. The second lawyer is Billy Clark. He is a former Air Force officer and now works as a professional mediator and attorney. Both lawyers say they are focused on making sure Karmelo gets a fair trial.
Warning Issued About Karmelo Anthony Fake Fundraising Page
The attorneys also warned the public about a fake fundraiser. A GoFundMe page claiming to be from Karmelo began spreading online. It said Karmelo got jumped and that Austin smashed his phone. The page used dramatic language and asked for donations. But Karmelo and his family did not set it up. The authorities have now taken that fundraiser down. The real legal fundraiser remains active on GiveSendGo and has the support of the family and their lawyers.
