JUST IN: Karmelo Anthony’s bond reduced to $250,000, will be placed on house arrest

Anthony has been charged with murder in the death of Metcalf, after he reportedly stabbed the Texas teen in the heart while at a track meet earlier this month after an altercation between the two over a seat. Anthony has claimed self-defense in the case, police have reported.

Both of Anthony's parents testified at the court's bond reduction hearing. The family has been able to raise over $400,000 with a GiveSendGo fundraiser, meaning that they can make the bond. Anthony will have to speak to the bailiff every Friday and is not allowed on social media. He will also be required to wear an ankle monitor.

Anthony has been held in Collin County jail since he was arrested following the fatal stabbing on April 2. Witnesses said that the two 17-year-olds were in a verbal argument and that Anthony reached in his bag as he said, "Touch me and see what happens." One witness said Metcalf "grabbed" Anthony, leading to the stabbing, while another said Metcalf "touched" Anthony.

Metcalf then died in his twin brother's arms as first responders came on the scene. Metcalf was later pronounced dead at the hospital after life-saving measures failed.

During the bond reduction hearing, defense attorney Mike Howard argued that Anthony's prior $1,000,000 bond should be reduced to $150,000, citing 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 added in the hearing.

Prosecutors cross-examined the case in the hearing, and said that Anthony had been in troubled before, getting into an "altercation" in February. Bill Wirsky, the Collin County First Assistant, said that the stabbing appeared to be a case of unjustified murder, and added, "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."

Wirsky questioned the family, asking if they had enough funds themselves to bring the over $400,000 in the fundraiser to the sum of $1 million to pay the bond. The family said, "It isn't as simple as giving a phone call to access it," and added that they still needed to pay for legal defense.

Judge Angela Tucker of the 199th Judicial District Court made the decision on the bond reduction, allowing for Anthony to be placed on house arrest.