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Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old accused of the murder of high school athlete Austin Metcalf at a recent track meet in Fresco, Texas, has secured a new defense attorney just days before his initial court hearing.
Metcalf was fatally stabbed in the heart after a confrontation sparked by Anthony sitting in an unauthorized area during the track meet at Kuykendall Stadium on April 2.
Tragic reports last week revealed the heartbreaking story of star athlete and aspiring football player Austin Metcalf. Attending the track meet with his twin brother, Hunter, Metcalf confronted Karmelo Anthony after Anthony was found sitting in a tent reserved for Frisco Memorial High School students—while Anthony attends Centennial High School.
The two, strangers until that day, exchanged heated words before Anthony suddenly pulled a knife from his backpack and stabbed Metcalf in the chest. In a devastating moment, Metcalf bled to death in his twin brother’s arms.
Anthony was swiftly arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He remains held at Collin County Jail on a $1 million bond. Meanwhile, a fundraiser launched to support Anthony and his family “during this challenging and difficult time” has sparked divided opinions, yet has raised over $400,000 as of yesterday.
Just ahead of Anthony’s bond hearing scheduled for today, Monday, April 14, his family made a crucial move by hiring Mike Howard, a well-known Dallas criminal defense attorney, to represent him.
The teen’s former attorneys, Billy Clark and Kim T. Cole, confirmed to WFAA on Saturday that they will no longer represent Karmelo Anthony. The Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), a non-profit organization supporting the teen, announced the change in legal representation.
“The family of Karmelo Anthony has officially retained Attorney Mike Howard as lead counsel in Karmelo’s legal defense,” the group stated.
“We are deeply grateful for the early support from Attorneys Billy Clark and Kim Cole, and remain focused on building a strong legal team for the fight ahead.
“Karmelo deserves what every citizen deserves: fair treatment and full rights under the law. We won’t stop fighting until he gets it,” the organization added.
Meanwhile, a private funeral for Austin Metcalf was held Saturday morning at Hope Fellowship Frisco East church, followed by a private burial, honoring the young athlete’s memory.
