Teen accused in fatal track meet stabbing will receive diploma, won't attend graduation: Reports
Karmelo Anthony, a Texas teenager charged in the fatal stabbing a fellow track athlete, is reportedly set to receive his diploma but will be barred from participating in his high school's graduation ceremony.
The 18-year-old, who was released from custody last month after posting a $250,000 bond, is charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, 17, on April 2 at a track meet in the Dallas suburb of Frisco.
An affidavit previously obtained by Paste BN alleges Anthony admitted to stabbing Metcalf out of self-defense.
Next Generation Action Network, a nonprofit advocating for Anthony's right to a fair trial, said in a news release that the teenager is set to graduate and receive his diploma without needing to attend school for the final month and a half of the academic year, according to WFAA. The nonprofit added that Frisco Independent School District (ISD) allowed this because Anthony completed the necessary credits, has a 3.7 GPA and his family reached an agreement with the district, which included the teenager not participating in "any senior graduation activities," Dallas-based TV station reported.
“We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted,” Minister Dominique Alexander, NGAN president, said, per CBS News Texas and NBC 5 DFW. “This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right.”
In a statement emailed to Paste BN on May 14, Alexander did not disclose details of the agreement made with Frisco school district. He also alluded to and condemned possible threats against the graduation ceremony.
"It is truly a shame that anyone would go so far as to threaten a graduation ceremony or try to ruin a day that should be filled with joy, pride, and accomplishment for so many students and their families," he wrote. "This moment is bigger than any one voice or any one attack."
Paste BN contacted Anthony's attorney, Mike Howard, on May 14 but has not received a response.
Frisco ISD emails staff, students and families before graduation
With Anthony being charged with murder, Frisco ISD's Superintendent Mike Waldrip, in an email to staff, students and families on May 13, said: "I want to be clear. No student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony."
Frisco ISD did not explicitly mention Anthony in the email, telling Paste BN on May 14: "Due to privacy laws, Frisco ISD cannot discuss individual student records."
The email alluded to "misinformation" that Waldrip said was being shared about the graduation "via several media outlets and perpetuated through social media," but did not elaborate.
"Frisco ISD does not condone violence or crime in our schools or at our events and will not reward or celebrate those who hurt others," the email reads.
Ahead of the graduation ceremony, Waldrip said, "Anyone who trespasses on Frisco ISD property or at a District event will be subject to immediate removal and possible arrest by law enforcement."
More than $500,000 raised for Karmelo Anthony's legal defense
The Next Generation Action Network, which celebrated Anthony turning 18 on May 10 in an X post, continues to defend the teenager's right to due process through news conferences and on social media.
In the May 10 post, the nonprofit shared an online fundraiser page, which as of May 14 has raised over $500,000 toward Anthony's legal defense and expenses.
"Karmelo should be celebrating the final stretch of his senior year — prom, graduation, and preparing for the next chapter," the nonprofit's May 10 post reads. "Instead, he’s facing a legal system that has historically failed young Black men, fueled by media spin, hate-filled attacks, and political pressure that ignores due process and humanity."
The nonprofit has alleged there are "double standards" surrounding the case, saying Anthony and his family have received death threats despite not being convicted.
“Their personal address has been exposed,” Alexander said about the Anthony family during a news conference last month. “This justice must be fair and impartial, and protected from biases. We do not pull the race card. We live it.”
Metcalf's father recalls spending last weekend with son
Metcalf's family has also garnered support since his death. Multiple fundraisers have been created, including one by his father, Jeff Metcalf, that has raised over $550,000 in donations.
Jeff Metcalf previously spoke with local media outlet KDFW-TV about a hunting trip he took with his son before his death.
"I’m so fortunate to be able to spend that weekend, not knowing it was the last weekend I’ll ever spend with him," Jeff Metcalf told KDFW. "I was able to watch and be blessed, so much, to have such, both my sons are amazing. My other son is just crushed. I feel for him now, he won’t be the same. None of us will."
The father, who learned of his son's stabbing when a coach called him, added that he hopes for "justice, because this is unacceptable," according to KDFW.
Contributing: Saleen Martin and Anthony Robledo, Paste BN
Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for Paste BN. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com.