A Texas teen charged with murder after fatally stabbing a fellow student is being treated like a celebrity by activist groups, sparking outrage from those who believe justice is being overshadowed by racial politics.
At a Glance
- Karmelo Anthony, 17, has been charged with murder after fatally stabbing fellow student Austin Metcalf, 17, during a track meet in Frisco, Texas
- Anthony’s bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000, with conditions including house arrest and an ankle monitor
- A controversial video showing Anthony’s release from jail, produced by activist group Next Generation Action Network, has sparked widespread criticism
- Fundraising efforts for Anthony have reached nearly $300,000 on GiveSendGo after GoFundMe removed campaigns citing policy against violent crime defenses
- The case has become deeply divisive, with some framing it as racial self-defense while others demand justice for the victim
The Incident and Charges
The fatal stabbing occurred during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, reportedly beginning as a dispute over seating. Karmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old student, is charged with murder for fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf, also 17. According to court documents, witnesses reported hearing Anthony say “Touch me and see what happens” during the altercation, and later stating “I’m not the alleged, I did it” after the stabbing. Both teenagers were described as standout students and athletes, making the tragedy particularly shocking to the community.
The case has received significant media attention and sparked intense emotions. At Anthony’s bond hearing, Judge Angela Tucker reduced his initial $1 million bond to $250,000, with strict conditions including house arrest and an ankle monitor. The judge emphasized that bond amounts should not equate to a life’s value, stating the decision was based on legal considerations. If convicted, Anthony faces a potential sentence ranging from five to 99 years in prison. The case will be reviewed by a grand jury to determine if it will proceed to trial.
Controversial Release Video
The activist group Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) posted an Instagram video showing Anthony being escorted from jail after posting bond. The video’s celebratory tone has drawn significant criticism from many observers who view it as inappropriately glamorizing someone charged with murder. Collin Rugg, co-owner of Trending Politics, noted that the NGAN security team appeared to intimidate a female reporter attempting to ask questions during Anthony’s release, further fueling controversy.
Social media users have expressed outrage at the portrayal of Anthony, with some comparing the situation to the George Floyd case. One user commented, “This is turning into George Floyd 2.0,” suggesting the case has become more about racial narratives than justice. Additional backlash has emerged over reports that Anthony’s family allegedly used funds raised for his legal defense to move into a wealthy neighborhood, though these claims remain unverified.
Controversial Fundraising Efforts
A fundraiser for Anthony has raised nearly $300,000 on GiveSendGo, approaching its goal of $350,000. Meanwhile, GoFundMe has removed several campaigns for Anthony, citing their policy against fundraising for legal defenses of violent crimes. Anthony’s family has stated they were not behind any GoFundMe accounts. The significant sum raised has sparked additional controversy, with many questioning why someone charged with murder is receiving such financial support.
“From the beginning, we decided that GiveSendGo would not serve as judge and jury. We’re not here to decide who deserves a defense. That’s the role of our justice system. The right was outraged when GoFundMe removed Rittenhouse’s campaign. Do you now believe big tech should censor based on their personal beliefs around a situation?”, said Heather Wilson.
GiveSendGo’s Co-Founder Heather Wilson defended their decision to keep the campaign active, citing the presumption of innocence. She drew parallels to the platform’s previous hosting of fundraisers for Kyle Rittenhouse, which raised nearly $600,000 in 2020. Wilson questioned whether the same principles of presumed innocence should apply in all cases, regardless of the defendant’s background or the circumstances of the case.
Dueling Narratives
The case has become highly polarizing, with supporters of Anthony claiming self-defense and framing the incident as a racial issue, as Anthony is black and Metcalf was white. Critics have questioned why Anthony had a knife at a school event and suggested the incident should not have escalated beyond a fistfight. Austin Metcalf, described as an honor student and athlete, was a junior at Memorial High School. A memorial service for Metcalf was scheduled for April 12, as the community continues to process this tragedy.
As the legal process continues, tensions remain high on both sides. Anthony’s mother recently spoke out, stating “the truth will come out” regarding the case. A planned press conference by Anthony’s family was reportedly delayed after the victim’s father appeared and was escorted away, highlighting the raw emotions still surrounding this case. The incident underscores broader societal divisions about race, justice, and how high-profile criminal cases are portrayed in media and online platforms.