Family of Texas Teen Charged With Murder of Rival Athlete Use Donated Funds to Move Into New Home

The family of Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old charged with fatally stabbing a fellow student-athlete during a high school track meet, plans to use donations to finance a new home with bolstered security.

Anthony, who faces a first-degree murder charge for the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf, was released from jail after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000. He is now under house arrest, required to wear an ankle monitor and remain inside his parents' residence.

During the bond hearing, Anthony's father, Andrew Anthony, told the court the funds raised online—over $433,000 as of Tuesday morning—are not being used to post bail but instead to cover legal fees, security measures, and relocation costs, KDFW reported. He said the family has received racist threats since the stabbing, and they intend to move to a gated community for the safety of their younger children.

"This family needs to be able to survive," said defense attorney Mike Howard. "Security details and criminal defense are not cheap."

Austin Metcalf's mother, Meghan Metcalf, wept in court as the judge announced the bond reduction.

The fatal stabbing occurred on April 2 in the stands at a Frisco, Texas, stadium. Witnesses say the altercation began after Metcalf told Anthony to vacate a seat, prompting Anthony to respond, "Touch me and see what happens," before allegedly pulling a knife from his bag and stabbing Metcalf in the chest. Metcalf died in his twin brother's arms.

Despite being charged with murder, Anthony claims the stabbing was in self-defense. "Every Texan deserves the right to defend themselves," said Howard, adding that Anthony was an honors student and captain of his football and track teams.

The case has ignited debate over youth violence, race, and self-defense laws in Texas.

Prosecutors dispute the self-defense claim, pointing to the fact that Anthony brought a knife to the meet and had previously been involved in a separate school altercation in February.