A Family Under Fire After Deadly High School Stabbing
The family of Karmelo Anthony is speaking publicly for the first time. At a press conference held Thursday in Dallas by the Next Generation Action Network, Anthony’s parents—especially his mother, Kala Hayes—addressed the threats and harassment they say they’ve endured since the April 2 incident.
“In the wake of this tragic incident, our family has been under attack,” Hayes said. “Whatever you think happened, my three younger children, my husband and I didn’t do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed, and lied about.”
Hayes became emotional as she described her husband’s deteriorating mental health and his decision to take a leave from work due to safety concerns. “Day by day, we have endured death threats,” she said.
More Details Emerge on the Stabbing at Frisco ISD Track Meet
The stabbing occurred at a Frisco Independent School District track and field meet involving multiple schools. Police allege that an altercation began when Metcalf asked Anthony to move from under Memorial High School’s team tent. According to the arrest report, Anthony allegedly responded, “Touch me and see what happens.” Witnesses say Metcalf then grabbed Anthony, who allegedly pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed him in the chest before fleeing the scene.
Anthony, 17, reportedly later admitted to the stabbing and told police it was an act of self-defense.
$250,000 Bond, House Arrest, and Pending Expulsion
Initially held on a $1 million bond, Anthony’s bail was reduced to $250,000 by Judge Angela Tucker, who considered his age, clean record, and community ties. As a condition of release, Anthony is now under house arrest, cannot contact Metcalf’s family, and must get court permission to leave his home.
Meanwhile, Frisco ISD has informed the family of its intent to expel Anthony a month before graduation, citing the serious charges. Although the district cannot comment due to privacy laws, it confirmed that students facing Title V felony charges are reviewed for expulsion. A hearing will determine whether Anthony can continue through an alternative program or graduate early.
Next Generation Action Network Blasts Media, Online Harassment
Minister Dominique Alexander, head of the social justice group Next Generation Action Network, defended the Anthony family against what he described as racist and politically driven misinformation. He criticized conservative operatives for using the case as a political tool and blasted viral rumors that falsely claimed the family used donations from a GiveSendGo fundraiser to purchase a luxury home, private security, and an Escalade.
“Let’s be clear — the family has not received one dime,” Alexander stated. “This is about a family that dared to stand and demand justice.”
Alexander also condemned the unexpected appearance of Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, at the press conference, calling it “disrespectful” and accusing him of trying to politicize the situation.
Mother’s Plea for Due Process and Fairness
Hayes emphasized that the family supports a full and fair investigation. “We believe in the legal process and that is where the truth will come out,” she said. She expressed condolences to the Metcalf family while asking for the public’s patience and prayers. “I don’t know why we are being targeted and discriminated against before a fair trial. Our son deserves the same rights under the law that everyone is afforded.”
Political, Racial, and Legal Tensions Surround the Case
Alexander called out the double standard in how cases like Anthony’s are treated compared to white defendants like Kyle Rittenhouse. He also defended Judge Angela Tucker—who is Black and a Republican—against political attacks, saying her involvement has sparked backlash that highlights deeper racial issues in the justice system.
Meanwhile, Jeff Metcalf told Fox News, “This was not a race thing. This is not a political thing. This person made a bad choice and affected both his family and my family forever.”
As both families cope with grief, loss, and the weight of public scrutiny, the case remains a flashpoint for broader debates over justice, media influence, and racial bias in America’s legal system.
