The family of Karmelo Anthony, the Texas teen accused of fatally stabbing another high schooler at a track meet, are considering moving to a gated community and hiring security after he was released from jail on a released bond, his defense attorney has said.
Anthony, 17, posted $250,000 bond — down from the original $1 million — and left jail on Monday. He’ll remain on house arrest ahead of his trial for the murder of Austin Metcalf in Frisco on April 2.
His attorney, who had originally called for reducing Anthony’s bond to $150,000, said the family were stepping up their personal security in the wake of the stabbing.
“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,” defense attorney Mike Howard said, as reported by Fox 4.
“This family needs to be able to survive,” he went on. “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.”
Anthony, who has three younger siblings, was fitted with an ankle monitor and 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 check in with the judge’s bailiff every Friday morning.
Family funding
An online fundraiser set up for Anthony’s legal costs has netted more than $430,000 for his family.
The family was asked why they hadn’t used the money raised to pay Anthony’s bond during cross-examination by Collin County First Assistant Bill Wirsky.
“It isn’t as simple as giving a phone call to access it,” Anthony’s parents said, as reported by Fox 4, as they explained it was a difficult process to get the money.
A lot of the money has gone toward Anthony’s legal defense, the family added.
Anthony’s legal team says he acted in self-defense when he allegedly stabbed Metcalf to death during the track meet following an argument over seating.
“Every Texan deserves the right to defend themselves when they reasonably fear for their life,” Howard told reporters outside the courthouse on Monday.
“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,” Howard said. “This is a tragedy all the way around for both families.”
Howard did not offer any explanation when asked by Anthony had been armed with a knife at the track meet.
“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.”
