FRISCO, Texas — The release of 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, charged with the murder of Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet, has ignited public fury after he was spotted at a $900,000 home in the gated Richwoods community. Anthony, accused of fatally stabbing the 17-year-old Memorial High School track star on April 2, 2025, was released on April 14 after Collin County Judge Angela Tucker reduced his bond from $1 million to $250,000, despite his family’s claims of financial hardship.
The incident occurred during a UIL District 11-5A track meet at Kuykendall Stadium, where witnesses say Metcalf asked Anthony, a Centennial High School student, to leave his team’s tent. A verbal dispute escalated, and Anthony allegedly stabbed Metcalf in the chest, fleeing the scene as Metcalf died in his twin brother’s arms. Anthony confessed to police, claiming self-defense, but was charged with first-degree murder. He’s now under house arrest with an ankle monitor, barred from social media. [Ref web ID: 0] [Ref web ID: 19]
Anthony’s family, led by his father Andrew, argued they couldn’t afford the original bond, citing Andrew as the sole provider. Yet, a GiveSendGo fundraiser has raised over $439,000, purportedly for legal defense, though some funds are reportedly being used for security and relocation. Critics, including neighbors, question the family’s financial claims, noting the luxury home’s $3,500 monthly rent, a new car in the driveway, and frequent deliveries. One neighbor told the Daily Mail, “I don’t think he should be out,” expressing unease about living near Anthony. [Ref web ID: 0] [Ref web ID: 14]
Public sentiment on X reflects deep division. Some users, like
@bennyjohnson, decry the situation as “murderers being rewarded,” while others highlight racial undertones—Anthony is Black, and Metcalf was not—comparing the case to Kyle Rittenhouse’s. Conservative voices like Charlie Kirk have called the support for Anthony “disgraceful,” while activist Dominique Alexander defends him, citing self-defense and racist threats against the family. Metcalf’s father, however, insists the incident wasn’t racial. [Ref web ID: 15] [Ref post ID: 3]
The case raises questions about bail reform, racial bias, and transparency in fundraising. While Anthony’s legal team prepares for trial, the community remains on edge, grappling with grief and distrust in the justice system.
