Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old charged in the fatal stabbing of another student during a high school track meet in Frisco earlier this month, was released from jail on Monday after a judge drastically reduced his bond.

Emotions in the courtroom
The case involving Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf has stirred strong emotions across the United States — and the developments surrounding it continue to unfold dramatically.

Anthony Karmelo faces a murder charge and, if convicted, could be sentenced to five to 99 years in prison under Texas law.

But on Monday, Collin County Judge Angela Tucker reduced the bond for 17-year-old Karmelo from $1 million to $250,000, a decision that has sparked a wave of public reaction and reignited emotions.

The decision was met with contrasting emotions in the courtroom. Austin’s mother, Meghan Metcalf, bowed her head and wept. On the opposite side sat about ten of Anthony’s supporters, including family and friends.

Judge Tucker imposed strict conditions after reducing the bond: Anthony is now under house arrest, must wear an ankle monitor, cannot travel without court approval, and must remain accompanied by an adult at all times. He is prohibited from contacting the Metcalf family, including through social media.

Defense attorney Mike Howard called the ruling “fair,” stating during a press conference, “Bond, as the judge said, is not supposed to be an instrument of oppression. It’s supposed to ensure that a person shows up to court, complies with all conditions, and keeps the community safe.”

Howard emphasized that Anthony, a senior at Centennial High School and captain of both the football and track teams, has no prior criminal history, is a U.S. citizen, and has strong ties to the community. “Every Texan has the right to defend themselves when they reasonably fear for their life,” he added, according to Dallas News.

Emotional testimony from Anthony’s father
The courtroom was filled to capacity Monday morning, just shy of two weeks after the fatal stabbing that shocked the community.

Andrew Anthony, Karmelo’s father and the only witness called to testify, told the court that he moved his family from Baton Rouge to North Texas for “a better life.”

He described Karmelo as an honor student with two part-time jobs and a role model to his three younger siblings.

Since Karmelo’s arrest on April 2, Andrew said he’s taken a leave of absence from his job as a finance manager. With his wife as a stay-at-home mom, the financial burden has been overwhelming — especially as the original $1 million bond was set. A GiveSendGo fundraiser for Karmelo has raised over $415,000, but Andrew testified that the funds remain inaccessible and are earmarked for legal defense, not bail.

“It would be disingenuous to say there isn’t money,” Howard told the judge, “but it is not a bond fund. This family needs to be able to survive.”

The fatal encounter
The incident took place around 10 a.m. during a weather delay at a District 11-5A track meet at Kuykendall Stadium. According to the arrest affidavit, Karmelo had taken shelter under a tent designated for Memorial High School. When asked to leave, a confrontation broke out between him and Austin Metcalf.

A witness stated Karmelo warned, “Touch me and see what happens,” before Austin allegedly grabbed him.

That’s when Karmelo reportedly pulled a black knife from his bag and stabbed Austin once in the chest. Karmelo later told police he acted in self-defense, saying, “I was protecting myself. He put his hands on me.” When referred to as the “alleged suspect,” he replied, “I’m not alleged, I did it.”

Austin, a linebacker at Memorial High School, died from a wound to the heart. His twin brother, Hunter, was with him in his final moments. “They were twins, identical twins,” said their father, Jeff Metcalf. “His brother was holding on to him, trying to make it stop bleeding, and he died in his brother’s arms.”

The Metcalf family speaks out
Both Jeff and Meghan Metcalf described Austin as a brilliant, driven student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA and dreams of playing college football.

“He was the most amazing kid,” Meghan told WFAA. “So smart. His goal was to play in college.”

Hunter, still shaken, remembered how they shared the field together growing up. “He was a big brother even though we’re the same age,” he said. “He did everything for our family.”

The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign titled Honoring Austin Metcalf: Help His Family Heal, which has raised over $300,000. On April 14, Halo Pizzeria hosted a fundraiser in Austin’s memory, donating 25% of sales to support the Metcalfs’ funeral and legal expenses.

A community divided
The ruling on Monday has stirred deep emotions and debate. Some online voices praised the judge’s decision, citing Anthony’s age and lack of criminal history.

“Innocent until proven guilty!” one supporter wrote. Others expressed outrage: “Why? The other boy will never be able to go home,” said one commenter. Another added, “Look at his smirk. He’s still guilty no matter what.”

Many pointed to systemic issues — blaming school officials, students, and even parents for missed warning signs. A prior altercation involving Karmelo was reportedly handled internally by Frisco ISD, prompting criticism for lack of accountability.

The Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), a civil rights organization, celebrated the bond reduction. “This is a much-needed window of relief,” NGAN said in a statement, confirming that it is helping Anthony’s family navigate the legal process and encouraging continued support for his defense.

Awaiting trial
District Attorney Greg Willis said the case remains under review and will be presented to a grand jury, which will determine whether to indict Karmelo.

“What we are concerned about as prosecutors is justice, truth, and accountability,” he said.

Willis acknowledged the pain felt on both sides. “It is the most unnatural thing for a parent to lose their child. It’s permanent, it’s profound, and it’s certainly premature,” he said. “The Anthony family has had a different kind of loss, but a loss nonetheless.”

Karmelo was released from custody just after 4:20 p.m. Monday and left the Collin County Detention Facility flanked by legal team members and supporters.

He emerged dressed in a gray suit jacket and black collared shirt. Unbothered by the crowd and noise, he stared straight ahead, making a direct path to a waiting vehicle. According to Daily Mail, Anthony remained stoic as he faced a barrage of questions about 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, the teen who died in his twin brother’s arms after the April 2 stabbing.

“Karmelo, why were you armed at school?” a reporter asked during his brief walk, according to footage shared by Fox 4.

“Explain your self defense. How was this self defence?” she pressed, keeping pace beside Anthony and his group.

“Karmelo, do you have anything you’d like to say to the victim? To the family of the victim?”

Anthony’s attorneys, Billy Clark and Kim T. Cole, expressed condolences to the Metcalf family and emphasized their client’s right to due process. “We ask for prayers for both families,” they said. “This will certainly be a long road ahead.”