On Tuesday, a Collin County grand jury indicted Karmelo Anthony on a first-degree murder charge — a decision that will please advocates for the alleged victim, 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, but outrage people who have wondered for months why it’s so hard for a Black teen to be taken seriously when he claims self-defense.
Anthony, who was 17 when he allegedly stabbed Metcalf to death during a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium, “could face a possible sentence of 5-99 years or life in prison,” CBS News reported, noting that “in the Texas criminal justice system, 17-year-olds are considered adults.”
So, what’s next for the now 18-year-old, who has been on house arrest since he was released on a reduced bond on April 14?
Well, now that Anthony has officially been indicted, the next step is to assign a trial judge to preside over his case. That judge will then set a court date for the defendant’s first appearance. That part of the legal process could take days, weeks or months.
In the meantime, both prosecutors and defense attorneys seem eager to make their cases.
“We know this case has struck a deep nerve — here in Collin County and beyond. That’s understandable. When something like this happens at a school event, it shakes people to the core,” Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said in a statement. “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.”
Austin’s father, Jeff Metcalf, appears hopeful that the court will give him and his family justice.
“I am pleased that we are moving forward. With the first-degree murder indictment, it now goes into the court system. I fully believe that justice will be served for Austin Metcalf. I look forward to the forthcoming trial. But it will never bring my son back,” he said.
However,…
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