The mother of a teenager who has been accused of fatally stabbing a high school football player over a seating dispute became emotional when she discussed receiving death threats online.
During a press conference, the family of the alleged perpetrator, Karmelo Anthony, 17, shared that they received $450,000 in donations following the tragic death of Austin Metcalf at a track event.
Originally set to address speculations surrounding an online fundraising campaign, the Anthonys’ media briefing took an unexpected turn as Austin’s father made an appearance, causing a stir.
Next Generation Action, an advocacy group representing the Anthonys, refused to start the conference until after Jeff had left.
After about half an hour, the dad was peacefully escorted out by cops.
Speaking to reporters, Kala Hayes, Anthony’s mom, gave a tearful statement where she denied ever seeing a cent from the fundraiser.
She said the family had just been notified on Wednesday that they could start collecting the money, and that the process would take several days.
Hayes’ comments came after the family sprung Anthony from prison once his $1 million bail was reduced to $250,000 on Monday.
The family was escorted out of the Texas courthouse by security and then traveled to a home valued at around $863,000 that they’re renting, according to reports.
But Hayes said the security was provided by Next Generation Action, and that none of the donations have been put toward their living expenses.
She went on to break down in tears as she said the parents were getting death threats.
“Our family have been under attack,” she said.
“The lies and false accusations that have been said about us, especially throughout the past week, have been overwhelming.
“My 13-year-old daughter is afraid to sleep in her own bedroom because she’s fearful of what might happen to her.”
Hayes ended her statement, calling for her son to get fair treatment, and said everyone should be equal under the law.
“To the family that experienced the loss, my heart truly goes out to you,” she said.
“To those who have supported my family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Anthony’s dad, Andrew, shared his first post on Facebook since April 2 after the briefing on Thursday.
“GOD PLEASE PROTECT MY FAMILY,” he wrote.
Karmelo Anthony’s house arrest
Karmelo Anthony was released on $250,000 bond after a judge reduced it from $1 million on Monday.
Anthony had been in Collin County jail since he was arrested on April 2 and charged with the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf.
The teen is now on house arrest in his parents’ house with an ankle monitor.
He is not allowed to use social media.
He can’t contact Metcalf’s family in any way.
Anthony can only leave his house with prior approval from the court, and he must be supervised by a parent at all times.
He is required to check in with the judge’s bailiff every Friday morning.
Anthony will return to jail if he breaks any of the house arrest conditions.
DISTURBING DEATH
Cops said that Austin and Anthony got into a fight over a seat during the track meet at Frisco ISD, where they were both students, outside Dallas, Texas.
Anthony was cuffed when he admitted to killing Austin at the scene, but he claimed it was done out of self-defense.
Austin’s twin brother Hunter desperately tried to stop the bleeding before first responders arrived and held his sibling as he died.
Soon after the tragedy, Jeff said that he had already forgiven the killer, but made a call for justice and increased security for students.
“I feel numb […] I do hope there’s justice because this is unacceptable,” he told Fox affiliate KDFW.
