Photo: Youtube/Fox4News
Karmelo Anthony’s parents are speaking publicly as their son continues his fight to overturn his murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence.
Andrew Anthony, Karmelo's father, spoke alongside his wife, Kala Hayes, saying this process has been a “struggle,” and something he “wouldn’t want any parents to experience.”
The couple thanked supporters who have stood by their family throughout the case, with Anthony’s father specifically acknowledging what he called the family’s “internet family,” according to CBS Texas.
The press event was held by Anthony’s attorneys and the Next Generation Action Network to clarify that a judge’s recent denial of Anthony’s request for a new trial does not end the appeals process.
“I think there’s a misconception that the motion for new trial denial would have ended an appeal. It actually is part of an appeal,” attorney Russell Wilson said.
Karmelo Anthony, who is Black, was convicted of murder in June for fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a confrontation at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. Anthony s was sentenced to 35 years in prison after jurors rejected his self-defense claim.
Anthony’s appeal also raises questions about evidence that was not presented to jurors during the trial, including messages in which Anthony allegedly made threats and references to stabbing someone, as well as records concerning racist and antisemitic graffiti allegedly connected to Metcalf and his twin brother.
Wilson said the case is now pending before the Dallas Court of Appeals, with the appellate record expected to be filed October 7.
The court is not expected to consider arguments from Anthony’s legal team until next year at the earliest.
Anthony will remain in prison while the appeal plays out.
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