(NewsNation) — Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old accused of fatally stabbing another student, Austin Metcalf, at a track meet, could try to use self-defense as the reasoning behind the stabbing.
Anthony has been charged in the stabbing death of Metcalf following a verbal dispute at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.
During an argument between the two teens, Anthony allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest. Metcalf died in the arms of his twin brother.
Can Karmelo Anthony case be considered self-defense?
Anthony was taken into custody and reportedly asked officers if the incident could be seen as self-defense.
Criminal defense attorney Mark O’Mara and lawyer Alan Dershowitz joined “CUOMO” on Monday to discuss the case.
“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 you still have to see if Anthony used “appropriate force” and if he felt like 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, who is selected for the jury will determine the outcome of Anthony’s case.
District attorney: The case has ‘struck a nerve’ in our community
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis told NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo his office hasn’t received the case yet but vowed to “follow the truth” wherever it leads.
“People are upset and rightfully so,” Willis said. “We’ve lost a young life, and the pain is real.”
Willis added: “This is a heartbreaking case, but even in heartbreak we have a responsibility to do the right thing and in the right way, and my office will do that.”
Karmelo Anthony’s bond reduced significantly
On Tuesday, a court reduced the bond for Anthony from $1 million to $250,000 and said he would be allowed to be on house arrest.
Anthony will be required to wear an ankle monitor during house arrest, and he will only be allowed to travel to his attorney’s office or court meetings.
He will also be required to check in regularly with the court, be supervised by a parent or designated adult at all times and will not be allowed to contact Metcalf’s family.