Frisco track meet stabbing suspect released after bond reduced to $250,000

FRISCO, Texas - Frisco murder suspect Karmelo Anthony is back at home after he bonded out of jail. Earlier in the day, a judge agreed to reduce his $1 million bond to $250,000.

Anthony is charged with murder for the stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet earlier this month. 

Released on Bond

What's new:

Anthony posted bond and was released from the Collin County jail on Monday afternoon.

He had nothing to say to reporters who asked, "How was this self-defense?"

The 17-year-old was fitted with an ankle monitor and will be on house arrest as he awaits trial.

That means he can only leave his house with prior approval from the court. He must be supervised by a parent or designated adult at all times and is required to check in with the judge's bailiff every Friday morning. 

He isn't allowed to use social media and can't contact the family of the alleged victim in any way.

Bond Reduction Hearing

What we know:

The bond reduction hearing began at 9 a.m. with Anthony entering the courtroom in a gold jumpsuit, handcuffed and chained. 

His father and mother both testified during the hearing.

They said Anthony is their oldest child and has three siblings. The family moved to the DFW area in 2021. 

He was the captain of the football and track teams, and he had never been arrested before this incident. He has worked at Foot Locker for two years and worked a second job at H-E-B.

What they're saying:

Anthony's attorneys originally asked the judge to reduce his bond to $150,000. 

"Given that Karmelo has no prior criminal history and given that this young man has not been in any sort of trouble before, $1 million is not necessary," said defense attorney Mike Howard. "This family needs to be able to survive. There’s been a tremendous amount of pressure. I think at this point, living in a gated community, given everything, the safety of their younger children is very warranted. Security details and criminal defense are not cheap."

Howard suggested the ankle monitor and house arrest to "give this young man a chance to get out of jail and be with his family."

After the bond hearing, Howard addressed the media outside the Collin County Courthouse. 

"Every Texan deserves the right to defend themselves when they reasonably fear for their life," he said.

"Self-defense is a protection that applies to each and every one of us. There are two sides to every story. Karmelo is a 17-year-old kid and an excellent student. He is the captain of his track team and the captain of his football team. This is a tragedy all the way around for both families," Howard said.

Howard did not answer questions about why Anthony was armed with a knife.

"That's an understandable question but it's not something that we are prepared to go into," he said. "It would be irresponsible for me or them to say this is why. We ask that the public, as hard as it is, withhold judgment."

Howard said this has been a one-sided investigation up until this point. But his team is confident that after a full investigation, "the truth will come out."

"Bond, as the judge said, is not supposed to be an instrument of oppression, it's not supposed to keep people in jail. It's to ensure someone comes to court," Howard said. 

He believes both sides want the tension surrounding the case to calm down.

The other side:

In cross-examination, prosecutors said Anthony was in an "altercation" on Feb. 4 in school. That altercation did not involve law enforcement. 

They brought up a fundraising page that is operated by Anthony's mother with a $500,000 goal. It is currently at $412,000.

Collin County First Assistant Bill Wirsky why they hadn't bonded him out of jail yet if they had more than $400,000.

Anthony's parents said it is a difficult process to get the money and "it isn't as simple as giving a phone call to access it." The family also said a lot of the money has to go to the legal defense.

Wirsky said this appears to be unjustified first-degree murder. 

"For reasons unknown, the defendant brought a knife to a track meet for what probably could have been a fist fight at worst. [The family] could make this million-dollar bond as soon as they get access to it. I don’t know why we are here," he said.

He also said this has devastated two families.

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis called the case a terrible tragedy for not just Frisco, but the Collin County community. 

"We look forward to continuing the process and looking at all the facts of this case," he said to the media outside the courthouse after the bond reduction hearing. "We will go where the facts lead us."

He said this case has "struck a nerve" in the community. 

"It is hard for everyone to be level-headed at a time like this. It's our job to be level-headed, to be fact-based and follow the truth wherever it may lead," Willis said.

Big picture view:

Judge Angela Tucker of the 199th Judicial District Court said she learned of this case assignment last Monday, and the cases are assigned at random. She was only presiding over the bond reduction hearing. There will be another random selection for the judge assigned to the trial.

Judge Tucker said she's never had the security issues she's faced with this case. 

She also said during the hearing that this is a bond hearing and not a trial. The purpose of a bond is to ensure the defendant will return to court and to ensure the safety of the community.

"I don't take that lightly at all. I take those things very seriously," she said. "There is no replacement for the loss of life or the loss of a child. I don’t want the family to think a bond amount is connected to the dignity of loss. You cannot make the person come back."

Frisco track meet stabbing

The backstory:

Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old junior at Memorial High School in Frisco, was killed at a UIL District 11-5A track meet at Kuykendall Stadium.

Police said a student from Centennial High School in Frisco, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, stabbed Metcalf in the chest during a fight.

An arrest report said that Anthony told a school resource officer that Metcalf "put his hands" on him. After the officer mentioned to others that he had the alleged suspect in custody, the report states Anthony said, "I’m not alleged. I did it."

The report states Anthony also asked the officers, "Is he going to be okay?" And he "asked if what happened could be considered self-defense."

Witnesses told police that Anthony was sitting under the Memorial High School tent and was told to leave. Anthony allegedly told Metcalf "touch me and see what happens." One witness told police that Metcalf then pushed Anthony to get him out of the tent. Anthony then reached into a bag and stabbed Metcalf.

Anthony was arrested and is now charged with first-degree murder.

Austin Metcalf's Funeral

What we know:

A memorial service was held for Metcalf on Saturday at Hope Fellowship Frisco East.

The family held a private burial after the memorial service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a scholarship in honor of Austin Metcalf at https://hopefellowship.churchcenter.com/giving

Outside the church, some were wearing football jerseys. Metcalf was a member of the Frisco Memorial High School football team and was voted MVP this past season.

He was also a member of the track and field team.

Who was Austin Metcalf?

What we know:

Jeff Metcalf described his son as an honor student, a natural leader, and a talented athlete.  He was also a twin.

"Austin was a leader. He led the football team. He was voted team MVP by his players and coaches," he said. "He played inside. His brother plays outside. Football was his pride and joy. He was working on track and field to increase his speed." 

He and his sons went hunting together the weekend before the stabbing, something they loved to do together.

"I’m so fortunate to be able to spend that weekend, not knowing it was the last weekend I’ll ever spend with him," Metcalf's father said. "I was able to watch and be blessed, so much, to have such, both my sons are amazing. My other son is just crushed. I feel for him now, he won’t be the same. None of us will." 

Related Stories

• Frisco track meet stabbing: 1 student killed, another charged with murder
• Frisco teen dies in twin brother's arms after track meet stabbing
• Frisco track meet stabbing suspect: ‘I did it’
• Frisco track meet stabbing: Police warn against misinformation online
• Frisco track meet stabbing suspect to seek reduction in bond, new charge
• Rescheduled UIL track meet held with increased security following Frisco student stabbing
• Frisco track meet stabbing: Police, civil rights group discuss investigation, threats
• Fundraiser for Frisco track meet stabbing suspect Karmelo Anthony nears $300,000
• Frisco track meet stabbing suspect hires new attorney ahead of Monday hearing

Karmelo Anthony fundraiser

By the numbers:

As of Saturday afternoon, a fundraiser on GiveSendGo had brought in more than $389,000 with a goal of $500,000. Earlier in the week, the fundraising goal was set to $450,000.

"This is the Official Support Fund for Karmelo and his family during this challenging and difficult time," a message on the page from Anthony's family reads. "The narrative being spread is false, unjust, and harmful. As a family of faith, we are deeply grateful for all of your support during this trying period. Your prayers and assistance mean more to us now more than ever."

The fundraising has generated outrage on social media with people calling on the platform to stop allowing donations.

NewsCrime and Public Safety