Texas Judge Reduces Bond for Teen Murder Suspect Karmelo Anthony, Sparking Outrage

A controversial decision out of Frisco, Texas, is stirring strong reactions after a judge granted bond reduction for 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who is accused of fatally stabbing another teen during a school track meet.

Anthony, a student at Frisco Centennial High School, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Austin Metcalf, a junior and standout athlete at Frisco Memorial High School. The fatal incident took place on April 2 at Kuykendall Stadium, where witnesses say a confrontation between the two teens escalated into a deadly stabbing.

On Monday, Judge Angela Tucker of Collin County’s 199th District Court reduced Anthony’s bond from $1 million to $250,000, according to WFAA-TV. As part of his release conditions, Anthony will be under house arrest and monitored with an ankle bracelet. The judge reportedly weighed "Anthony’s age, lack of past criminal history, citizenship and close ties to the community" in her decision.

“The judge said she considered several factors,” WFAA noted.

The defense, led by attorney Mike Howard, argued the original bond was excessive for someone with no criminal background. “Given that Karmelo has no prior criminal history,” Howard told KDFW-TV, his client should not be denied a fair opportunity at pretrial release.

The victim’s family, however, is devastated by the ruling. Metcalf’s mother was seen openly weeping in court, unable to understand why the suspect would be allowed out of jail. “We expected him to stay behind bars,” one family member said.

Austin Metcalf was well-known in the Frisco community—a beloved football player and track athlete remembered for his leadership and heart. His twin brother, Hunter, was with him during the attack and reportedly held him in his arms as he bled.

The shocking event turned what was meant to be a celebration of youth athletics into a tragic scene that deeply impacted students, staff, and families alike. The Frisco Police Department quickly arrested Anthony following the stabbing, and he had remained in custody at Collin County Jail until the bond ruling.

Public reaction has been intense. Many are angry that Anthony is now back home awaiting trial, especially after a GoFundMe campaign raised over $400,000, more than enough to cover the reduced bond amount.

Despite the tragedy, Metcalf's school and teammates plan to honor his memory. Frisco Memorial High School is organizing a memorial to recognize his contributions and celebrate his life.

As the legal process continues, the community remains divided—some focusing on the legal principles of fair bond, while others grieve a life cut short and question whether justice is truly being served.