A Texas teenager charged with fatally stabbing another high school student is living his best life after getting released on bond, as donations continue to pour in.
17-year-old Karmelo Anthony is accused of murdering Austin Metcalf during a track meet.
Anthony was released from jail after a judge slashed his bond, prompting renewed debate over the case and its legal, racial, and social implications.
Fundraising campaigns for Anthony’s defense have provided the accused killer and his family with money to fund a lavish lifestyle amid national media attention.
Despite admitting to the stabbing, Anthony has claimed through his legal team that he acted in self-defense.
The fatal incident occurred during a high school track meet on April 2.
Metcalf, a student at Memorial High School, reportedly confronted Anthony for sitting under his team’s tent.
The two did not attend the same school.
The argument escalated, and Anthony allegedly produced a knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest.
Metcalf later died in his twin brother’s arms.
Anthony was released from custody after a judge slashed his original bond from $1 million.
His release came amid public outcry from supporters and backlash from others, with the case drawing national attention.
Dominique Alexander, a spokesman for Anthony and a representative of the Next Generation Action Network, framed Anthony as the victim in the situation.
“Karmelo Anthony is SAFE at home,” Alexander said in a statement.
“This moment is a reminder that a community united can never be divided.”
He added, “The journey ahead is long, but today, we celebrate a victory for justice, for family, and for the power of people coming together to protect our youth.”
Alexander also posted a photo with Anthony from inside the teen’s new Frisco home.
The family reportedly uses donation money to move into the home, which is valued at $8-900,000.
The activist added hashtags including “Justice for Karmelo” and “People Power” in his post.
Karmelo Anthony is SAFE at home.
This moment is a reminder that a community united can never be divided.
The journey ahead is long, but today—we celebrate a victory for justice, for family, and for the power of people coming together to protect our youth.
Thank you to everyone… pic.twitter.com/CjLTkhbIiL
— Minister Dominique Alexander (@niquealex) April 14, 2025
Anthony is now under house arrest and is required to wear an ankle monitor as part of his release conditions.
He has now moved into a lavish rented home on Mercedes Lane in Frisco.
The property is in a ritzy gated community and is estimated to cost around $3,500 per month.
Vehicles spotted at the home included a white Suburban, a black Acura, and a third sedan.
A neighbor also reported the family had recently acquired a new vehicle.
NEW: Karmelo Anthony’s team releases a “POV” video filmed on Ray-Ban META glasses, brag about intimidating a female reporter.
They’re treating him like a celebrity.
Anthony’s family has also allegedly purchased a new car.
The footage below was proudly filmed & posted after… pic.twitter.com/2s9Tk4MPvf
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 16, 2025
The suspect’s father, Andrew Anthony, testified during Monday’s hearing that the family had received over $440,000 in donations.
The funds were received through an online fundraiser intended to support his son’s legal defense.
He stated the funds would be used not only for legal costs but also for private security.
Anthony also claimed that the family needed to move into a luxury home due to threats allegedly made against the family.
“It would be disingenuous to say there isn’t money,” said defense attorney Michael Howard.
“But it is not a bond fund.
“This family needs to be able to survive.”
Howard also stated, “Every Texan has a right to defend themselves when they reasonably fear for their life.
“Self-defense is a protection that applies to each and every one of us.”
He refused to say why Anthony brought a knife to the track event.
The bond reduction decision sparked controversy online.
Judge Angela Tucker, who presided over the bond hearing, has since taken her social media accounts private after receiving backlash.
“They’ve never had the security issues they’ve faced with this case,” Tucker said.
Alexander denied widespread online rumors that Metcalf had bullied Anthony.
He stated that the two teens had never met before the incident.
Anthony, who has no prior arrests, was the captain of both his school’s football and track teams.
He also worked two jobs, one at a Foot Locker and another at an H-E-B grocery store.
His father testified that the family relocated from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Texas in search of better opportunities and that he is currently on leave from his position as a finance manager at a car dealership.
The investigation into the stabbing remains ongoing.
Anthony’s legal team has not confirmed when further details about the defense strategy will be released.
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