McKINNEY, Texas — A high-profile murder case that has gripped North Texas for nearly two weeks took a dramatic turn Monday morning as a Collin County judge reduced the bond for 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony from $1 million to $250,000—clearing the way for his release and prompting a renewed wave of scrutiny, grief, and public debate.
Anthony, a student-athlete at Frisco Centennial High School, was arrested and charged with the murder of fellow 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a UIL District track meet on April 2. The incident, which occurred at Kuykendall Stadium in front of fellow students and families, stunned the Frisco community and quickly gained national attention.
Release With Conditions
Judge Angela Tucker of the 199th District Court presided over the bond reduction hearing, where Anthony appeared in a yellow jail-issued jumpsuit. The judge imposed strict conditions: house arrest, electronic ankle monitoring, and court approval for any movement beyond his home. A violation of any term would trigger an immediate return to jail.
Anthony was released Monday afternoon after meeting the revised bond requirements.
“Bond is not designed to punish or oppress,” said Anthony’s new attorney, Mike Howard, speaking outside the courthouse. “It is to ensure appearance in court, compliance with conditions, and the safety of the community. The judge struck a balance between all of those.”
Divided Courtroom, Divided Community
Tension was palpable in the courtroom. Anthony’s father, who testified during the hearing, described his son as a hardworking young man—captain of both the football and track teams, working two part-time jobs to support his family. About ten supporters sat quietly behind the defense table.
On the opposite side, the family of Austin Metcalf wore ribbons and pinned photos in his honor. They watched in silence as the judge read her decision, visibly shaken but composed.
Anthony’s father revealed that the notoriety surrounding the case has forced the family to prepare for relocation, citing threats and harassment. He said the family doesn’t currently have access to the roughly $415,000 raised through GiveSendGo, contradicting prosecutors’ arguments that the initial $1 million bond was financially feasible for them.
A Case Under the Microscope
According to the arrest affidavit, Anthony admitted to the stabbing but claimed it was an act of self-defense. Police have not yet released surveillance footage or witness statements that may support—or contradict—that assertion. The facts of the case remain tightly held by investigators and the District Attorney’s Office.
“This has rocked our entire community,” said Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. “We must stay level-headed, follow the evidence, and let the process run its course.”
The defense team, now led by Howard after a recent attorney change, is preparing for an intense legal battle. The case has already seen online misinformation campaigns, including fake social media accounts impersonating local law enforcement. The FBI confirmed it is investigating the source of the posts, which Frisco PD has publicly denounced.
Voices Urge De-escalation
While the legal proceedings continue, both legal teams have called for calm. “This is not the time for threats or inflammatory rhetoric,” Howard stated. “It’s not good for the Anthony family, the Metcalf family, or this community.”
Daryl Washington, a veteran Dallas-based defense attorney not affiliated with the case, noted the unusually high initial bond. “Setting bail at $1 million for a first-time offender—especially a minor—sends a message to the public that the evidence must be overwhelming. But in reality, bail should reflect risk, not retribution.”
What Comes Next
Karmelo Anthony remains under house arrest while the investigation and pre-trial motions unfold. Prosecutors say they are still reviewing evidence collected by Frisco PD and interviewing witnesses. The defense is expected to pursue a self-defense argument, though no formal plea has been entered.
For now, two families remain locked in grief and uncertainty. One mourns a young life lost; the other navigates a legal and emotional storm—one that is far from over.
ColGA News will continue to follow this case closely as it develops.
