FRISCO, Texas — A Collin County judge has granted a bond reduction for Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old charged in the fatal stabbing of another teenager during a high school track meet in Frisco earlier this month.
Originally held on a $1 million bond, Anthony’s bond was lowered to $250,000 during a court hearing on Monday, April 14. If his family is able to post the bond, he will be placed under house arrest and required to wear an ankle monitor. He would be restricted to his parents’ home under the terms of the court order.
Anthony was arrested on April 2 following the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, which occurred after a verbal altercation during the track event. Witnesses say the argument escalated quickly, ending with Anthony allegedly stabbing Metcalf once in the chest. Officers on the scene reported that Anthony cooperated during the arrest. According to police, while being transported, Anthony asked the officer if Metcalf would survive and whether his actions could be considered self-defense.
Since his arrest, Anthony has been represented by attorneys Billy Clark and Kim Cole, who moved to have his bond reduced, arguing the original amount was excessive given his background. During the bond hearing, Anthony’s father testified on his son’s behalf, describing him as an honor student and the captain of both his football and track teams. He also shared that he is the sole financial provider for their family and is currently unable to work, making the original bond unaffordable.
Prosecutors countered by referencing a separate assault incident involving Anthony that took place in February, which was reportedly handled internally by Frisco ISD. They also raised questions about an online fundraiser set up for Anthony, which has collected over $400,000. In response, Anthony’s father explained that the family doesn’t currently have access to those funds and that the money was not intended for bail expenses.
In closing arguments, Anthony’s defense team called the $1 million bond “unusual” for someone with no criminal history and requested it be reduced to $150,000. Prosecutors, on the other hand, maintained that the original bond amount is standard for murder charges in Collin County.
Ultimately, the judge opted for a middle ground—lowering the bond to $250,000 and enforcing strict conditions if Anthony is released. Any violation of the house arrest or monitoring conditions would result in Anthony being returned to custody.
