LIVE: Frisco track meet stabbing suspect Karmelo Anthony to be released on bond

Frisco murder suspect, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, appeared in court Monday morning as his attorneys asked for a reduction in his $1 million bond.

Anthony, 17, was charged with murder after the stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet earlier this month.

The bond reduction hearing began at 9 a.m. with Karmelo Anthony entering the courtroom in a gold jumpsuit, handcuffed and chained.

His father and mother both testified at the hearing.

During the hearing, we learned Karmelo is the oldest child and has three siblings. The family moved to the DFW area in 2021.

He was the captain of the football and track teams, and he had never been arrested before this incident. He has worked at Foot Locker for two years and worked a second job at H-E-B.

Anthony's attorneys asked the judge to reduce his bond to $150,000. Defense Attorney Mike Howard said, "Given that Karmelo has no prior criminal history…given that this young man has not been in any sort of trouble before. 1 million dollars is not necessary."

"This family needs to be able to survive. There’s been a tremendous amount of pressure. I think at this point, living in a gated community, given everything, the safety of their younger children is very warranted. Security details and criminal defense are not cheap."

Howard suggested putting Karmelo on an ankle monitor and imposing house arrest to "give this young man a chance to get out of jail and be with his family."

After the bond hearing, Howard addressed the media outside the Collin County Courthouse. He said, "Every Texan deserves the right to defend themselves when they reasonably fear for their life."

"Self defense is a protection that applies to each and every one of us. There are two sides to every story. Karmelo is a 17-year-old kid and an excellent student. He is the captain of his track team and the captain of his football team. This is a tragedy all the way around for both families."

He says his team is confident that after a full investigation, "the truth will come out."

He says this has been a one-sided investigation at this point.

"Bond, as the judge said, is not supposed to be an instrument of oppression, it's not supposed to keep people in jail. It's to ensure someone comes to court," said Howard.

"I know both sides would ask that the temperature on this be allowed to come down," he said.

In cross-examination, the prosecutors said Anthony was in an "altercation" on Feb. 4 in school. This altercation did not involve law enforcement.

They brought up the fundraising page that is operated by Anthony's mother. The goal was raised from $450,000 to $500,000. It is currently at $412,000.

Bill Wirsky, Collin County First Assistant, asked if they had more than $400,000, why haven't they bonded him out of jail yet?

The family said it is a difficult process to get the money and "it isn't as simple as giving a phone call to access it." The family also said a lot of the money has to go to the legal defense.

Wirsky said this appears to be unjustified first degree murder. "For reasons unknown, the defendant brought a knife to a track meet. For what probably could have been a fist fight at worst. [The family] could make this million-dollar bond as soon as they get access to it. I don’t know why we are here."

He also said this has devastated two families.

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis says this is a terrible tragedy for not just Frisco, but the Collin County community.

"We look forward to continuing the process and looking at all the facts of this case," he said to the media outside the Collin County Courthouse after the bond reduction hearing. "We will go where the facts lead us."

He said this case has "struck a nerve" in the community.

"It is hard for everyone to be level-headed at a time like this. It's our job to be level-headed, to be fact-based and follow the truth wherever it may lead."

The judge reduced the teen's bond to $250,000, and he will be placed on house arrest. He will have to speak to the bailiff every Friday morning, and he is not allowed to be on social media.

The family will have to post the bond before Anthony is released from jail and placed on house arrest.