Karmelo Anthony Convicted of Murder, Sentenced to 35 Years; Mother Protests Verdict Outside Courthouse
Karmelo Anthony, 19, was convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf in April 2025 and sentenced to 35 years in prison; his mother Kayla Hayes shouted accusations of racism as she left the Texas courthouse on Tuesday. Anthony's defense team argued self-defense and later requested a manslaughter charge, but jurors rejected both claims after testimony from multiple eyewitnesses. The case has drawn supporters who believe the conviction reflects racial bias in the justice system.
Karmelo Anthony was found guilty of murdering Austin Metcalf during an incident at a Frisco high school track meet in April 2025. Anthony's legal team pursued a self-defense strategy, claiming he acted in self-defense, and later requested jurors consider the lesser charge of manslaughter or a conviction based on sudden passion rather than premeditation. However, multiple eyewitnesses, including one called by Anthony's own defense team, testified that Anthony provoked the incident. Jurors rejected all alternative theories and convicted him of murder, resulting in a 35-year sentence with parole eligibility after 17.5 years. As Anthony's mother Kayla Hayes left the Collin County courthouse on Tuesday, she shouted "Racist!" and "Bias!" through a car window to a crowd of supporters who had gathered outside, many of whom believe the trial outcome reflects systemic racism in the justice system.
How coverage differed
The New York Post describes Hayes as the defendant's "mother" and frames her statements as part of a crowd chant that "appeared to start among the crowd." Breitbart's headline incorrectly identifies her as the "grandmother" and uses more charged language ("enflames protesters"), while emphasizing eyewitness testimony refuting self-defense claims and noting jurors' rejection of premeditation arguments more prominently.
What different sources said
- New York PostRight
Karmelo Anthony’s mom shouts ‘racist!’ and riles up crowd after son’s guilty verdict as she leaves court in luxury car
- BreitbartFar Right
WATCH: Karmelo Anthony's Grandmother Shouts 'Racist!' and Enflames Protesters as She Leaves the Courthouse
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Karmelo Anthony Convicted of Murder; Case Draws Limited Protest Response
Karmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old Black teenager, was convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf and sentenced to 35 years in prison with parole eligibility after 17 years. The case received minimal protest or media attention following the verdict. The conviction and muted response reflect broader questions about how high-profile cases involving race are covered and responded to in contemporary America.
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