Jeff Metcalf, the bereaved father of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf who was stabbed to death, went to attend a press conference that the alleged killer, Karmelo Anthony and his family held after his release from jail on bond. Jeff’s presence alerted the Anthonys and Jeff was escorted out of the place. Charged with first-degree murder, Karmelo Anthony was released on bond though he will have to remain under house arrest. But given the public support and funds the family received, it’s unlikely that he would receive any punishment, as he said his act was in self-defense. Metcalf was the first to put his hand on him.
The stabbing incident took place on April 2 when Austin and Karmelo went to attend a track meet at Frisco Memorial High School. They did not know each other but got into an altercation over seating. Karmelo was told by Metcalf that he was sitting under the wrong school tent. Witnesses told Frisco police that Anthony threatened Austin, “Touch me and see what happens.”
Austin put his hands on Anthony who pulled out a knife and plunged it into the victim’s chest.
The incident took a racial angle as Anthonys are black and Karmelo has been called the aggressor, which the family refuted. After his release, the Anthonys moved to a new address, citing security issues.
Anthonys paused press briefing until Metcalf was escorted out
There was a standoff between the two families on Thursday after Jeff Metcalf stood silently at the press conference. The Anthonys refused to speak to reporters until Metcalf left the building, ABC affiliate WFAA reported. The briefing had been planned by advocacy group Next Generation Action Movement to clear up rumors about an online fundraiser that’s amassed over $450,000 for the Anthony family.
After over half an hour, Metcalf was escorted out of the news conference by cops.
At the conference, Minister Dominique Alexander, the founder of Next Generation Action, blasted Metcalf’s attendance as a “disrespect to the dignity of his son.” “Regardless of what was going on, that was disrespectful,” said the pastor.
