The parents of Carmelo Anthony, a 19-year-old convicted of killing another teenager during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in 2025, believe their son was not given a fair trial and continue to seek justice.
Kara Hayes and Andrew Anthony expressed their commitment to “keep fighting” in an interview this week after Carmelo was found guilty and sentenced, as reported by TMZ.
When asked about the fairness of the trial, they wore T-shirts stating “#BelieveKarmelo.” Hayes responded, “Absolutely not,” emphasizing their determination to continue their fight for their son.
A jury recently convicted Carmelo of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf and sentenced him to 35 years in prison, according to Breitbart News.
The incident was described as follows:
Carmelo stabbed Metcalf inside the Frisco Memorial Tent during a regional track event. He had taken refuge in the tent due to rain. Witnesses indicated that athletes from Frisco Memorial, including Metcalf, asked him to come out of the tent multiple times.
A student-athlete who attended Frisco Memorial with Metcalf testified that Carmelo did not act in self-defense. He kept his hand in his backpack until Metcalf pushed him, prompting him to stab Metcalf in the chest.
Reports suggest that Carmelo will begin his sentence in isolation for his safety.
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis remarked after the trial, “Justice was served today,” and voiced support for Metcalfe’s family.
Willis thanked the parents and the brave young witnesses who, despite the trauma of witnessing the tragic event, cooperated and testified truthfully, which was vital in achieving justice.
In reactions following the verdict, Dallas attorney Thelma Anderson stated, “Please pray for the Anthony family, as they have faced a legal lynching over the past year, not only by the Metcalfe family but by the systemic issues in this courthouse.”
She criticized the prosecution, alleging that they deceived witnesses to benefit societal interests for electoral gains.
