A judge reduced the $1 million bond for Karmelo Anthony, the Texas teen charged with allegedly fatally stabbing a rival high school athlete, since he claimed he was acting in self-defense.
Anthony, 17, was charged with first-degree murder for allegedly stabbing death of Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old athlete at a rival high school, earlier this month. Anthony's defense attorneys immediately requested his bail to be reduced to $150,000, stating it would be "unusual" since the teen does not have a criminal history, according to CBS News. They also asked the judge to require Anthony to wear an ankle monitor.
Prosecutors argued the $1 million bond was standard for murder cases tried in the county. They also questioned why Anthony's family had not used the more than $400,000 raised on GoFundMe for the bond, which his family said will be used to support the family since his father is the sole breadwinner and currently out of work.
During Monday's hearing, the judge ruled the teen's bond would be lowered to $250,000. If his family paid the bond, he would be required to wear an ankle monitor while remaining at his parent's residence. If he violates the terms, Anthony will be returned to jail.
Anthony has been held in the Collin County jail since he was arrested on April 2. The tragic stabbing occurred at a Frisco Independent School District track. Metcalf reportedly argued with Anthony because he was sitting under the wrong school's tent, before Anthony allegedly warned Metcalf not to touch him.
Metcalf then grabbed Anthony, according to witnesses, who pulled a knife out of his backpack and fatally stabbed Metcalf once in the chest. Anthony then ran, but was later detained by police and reportedly asked if Metcalf was OK and whether what he did fell under self-defense.
If Anthony is convicted, he faces five to 99 years in prison.
