Rep for Karmelo Anthony's family says murder indictment is 'yet another example of what it means to be black in America'

A representative for the family of Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old indicted for murder in connection with the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf, claimed on Tuesday that the case reflects the systemic racism that black people face in the US.

“Today, we were informed by the Collin County District Attorney that Karmelo Anthony has been indicted,” Minister Dominique Alexander wrote in a statement posted to X. “This case is yet another example of what it means to be Black in America, where even our self-defense is questioned, scrutinized, and politicized.”

A grand jury in Collin County, Texas, charged Anthony with murder for the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in April. The stabbing death occurred at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas and shocked the local community. Metcalf was a student-athlete at Frisco Memorial High School; Anthony attended Frisco Centennial High School.

Anthony has claimed the stabbing was in self-defense. He was arrested shortly after the incident and initially held on $1 million bond, which was later reduced to $250,000. He was released pending trial.

“It’s easy to go on social media and give an opinion. It’s easy to post without facts,” Alexander wrote. “Sadly, even some people who claimed to be supporters have shared misinformation — not always with bad intent, but still harmful.”

Alexander added that the case “involves multiple minors and sensitive details that I cannot and will not speak about publicly,” and said his organization, NGAN, is committed to ensuring a fair trial. “There will be a courtroom. Let justice speak — in the courtroom.”

The District Attorney's office addressed the indictment in a brief statement. “We know this case has struck a deep nerve — here in Collin County and beyond,” said DA Greg Willis. “That’s understandable. When something like this happens at a school event, it shakes people to the core. But the justice system works best when it moves with steadiness and with principle. That’s what we’re committed to. And that’s exactly what this case deserves.”

Anthony’s attorney, Mike Howard, also issued a statement calling the indictment “an expected and routine step in the legal process.”

“Karmelo and his family are confident in the justice system and the people of Collin County to be fair and impartial,” Howard said. “Of course, Karmelo looks forward to his day in court. It's only in a trial that a jury will hear the full story, one that includes critical facts and context that the grand jury simply didn't get to hear.”

The murder charge carries a potential sentence of five to 99 years, or life in prison, if Anthony is convicted.

Alexander, who is acting as the family's public spokesperson, has a controversial past. A New York Post report cited his criminal history, which includes a child abuse conviction in 2009. In that case, Alexander was arrested for allegedly shaking and hitting his then-girlfriend’s toddler with an object. He has also faced multiple felony charges over the years, though he reportedly served minimal jail time.

Despite the criticism, Alexander said he would not back down. “To the racists, the bigots, and those filled with hate who’ve targeted Karmelo, his family, and even myself — you do not intimidate us. We are not backing down.”