(NewsNation) — Representatives for the family of Karmelo Anthony, who has been charged in relation to the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf, have said the family is “gravely concerned” about threats they are receiving, according to a Dallas TV station.
Anthony, 17, and Metcalf, 17, reportedly got into an argument during a high school track meet that ended in Metcalf being stabbed in the chest. Anthony was released from jail and put on house arrest shortly after his bond was reduced to $250,000 from $1 million.
Now, the Next Generation Action Network — a social justice organization in North Texas — has said the courts approved Anthony to be moved from his home to an undisclosed location for his “immediate safety,” according to reports.
Karmelo Anthony’s family receives increasing death threats: Reports
According to the nonprofit, Anthony’s family has seen an “alarming increase in death threats, continued harassment and physical intimidation targeted” at their home.
Fox 4 reported that people have visited the family’s home, taking photos of their property and pretending to be fast food delivery drivers. The family has also received things in the mail, such as Metcalf’s obituary. People are also allegedly attempting to scare the family.
Dominique Alexander, a minister who works with the Next Generation Action Network, said in the release, “We are sharing images and documentation of the threats the family has faced this past weekend to make the public aware of the dangerous atmosphere that has been created — an atmosphere fueled by organized hate, systemic racism, and intentional misinformation.”
According to Fox 4, the nonprofit’s internal security team is working with law enforcement to help keep Anthony’s family safe.
“No family should have to live under siege simply because they are demanding their constitutional rights. We will not be silent, and we will not back down,” Alexander said.
Frisco, Texas, rally also reason for moving Karmelo Anthony: Reports
Another reason that Anthony was moved is because of a rally in Frisco, Texas, according to the nonprofit. A small group allegedly gathered at Kuykendall Stadium on Saturday, with fliers being posted on social media saying:
- “Protect White Americans”
- “Justice for Austin Metcalf”
- “Demand Karmelo Anthony be put back in prison until trial”
- “Peaceful protest”
- “Stop black violence on white Americans”
The rally was allegedly put together by Florida resident Jake Lang, who had been charged in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
According to Frisco officials, those who attended didn’t appear to live in the area. Texas Representative Jared Patterson posted on X, saying, in part, “They chose the wrong community in which to spread their hate. Thank you, Frisco. I’m so proud of the professionalism of the Frisco Police Department… God bless them all.”
Karmelo Anthony’s family holds press conference
Last week, Anthony’s family held a press conference to discuss the backlash they have received since the incident. During that conference, Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, claimed that her family’s address has been leaked online, and her husband has had to take a leave of absence “because he’s afraid what may happen to our family.”
Hayes also said her 13-year-old daughter is “afraid to sleep in her own bedroom because she’s fearful of what might happen to her.”
Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, showed up to the news conference, but police officers asked him to leave before it started. He told CBS News Texas that he thought being there would be a chance for the families to come together.
Austin Metcalf killed at high school track meet
Metcalf was stabbed during a track meet on April 2. Police have said that Anthony stabbed him in the chest during an altercation.
According to the arrest report, Anthony told the school resource officer that Metcalf had “put his hands” on him. It also showed that Anthony said, “I’m not alleged. I did it,” when the officer mentioned to other people that he had the alleged suspect.
Anthony was allegedly sitting under a high school’s tent when he was told to leave. Then, Anthony reportedly told Metcalf, “Touch me and see what happens,” according to the arrest warrant.
One witness told police that Metcalf had pushed Anthony, and that’s when Anthony allegedly pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed Metcalf. Anthony did admit to the crime and asked officers if what he did could be considered self-defense.
Can Karmelo Anthony’s case be considered self-defense?
NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo spoke to criminal defense attorney Mark O’Mara and lawyer Alan Dershowitz about Anthony’s case on “CUOMO.”
“This is definitely a self-defense case because it always is one until you look at the facts of the case and compare the two,” O’Mara told Cuomo. However, O’Mara did say that it still has to be determined if Anthony used “appropriate force” and if he felt that he was in “imminent fear of great bodily injury.”
“We live in a society where everything is judged by race,” Dershowitz said. “Let’s not kid ourselves. We live in a race-conscious society.” He said, at the end of the day, whoever is chosen for the jury will decide the outcome of Anthony’s case.