Frisco police in Texas responded to a report of a gunshot at slain teen Austin Metcalf family’s home on Thursday
Police have confirmed that there was no actual shooting incident, as reported by FOX 4. They have labeled the event as a case of “swatting,” which involves making a false report to prompt an emergency response.
Police have not said whether they have identified the caller or have any information about them.
This revelation follows an incident where Jeff Metcalf, the father of the murder suspect Karmelo Anthony, was removed from a press conference. Anthony stands accused of fatally stabbing a person named Austin during a disagreement over seating at a track meet in Frisco on April 2.
According to CBS News, Metcalf was present at the beginning of the press conference, wearing sunglasses and occasionally using his phone. Dallas police intervened about 40 minutes after the scheduled start time and requested him to depart from the premises.
Jeff Metcalf reportedly said he didn’t intend to speak at the press conference but wanted to hear what was being said at the conference.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Anthony’s mother and advocacy group Next Generation Action Network, Kala Hayes, said the family has been “under attack” in the wake of the stabbing, with threats and harassment.
“Whatever you think what happened between Karmelo and the Metcalf boys, my three younger children, my husband and I didn’t do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed and lied about,” Hayes said.
“The lies and false accusations that have been said about us, especially over the past week, has been overwhelming. The lies and their amplification put my family in danger.”
“To the family who experienced the loss, my heart truly goes out to you,” Hayes added. “To those who have supported my family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Anthony is currently out on bail. In addition to house arrest and wearing an ankle monitor, Anthony must check in with a bailiff every week and have no contact with Metcalf’s family.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Austin Metcalf/Memorial High School]
