FRISCO, Texas — The family of 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, the Black teen charged with murder in the death of fellow student Austin Metcalf, is facing an escalating wave of targeted threats and harassment, according to a statement released Monday by the Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), a civil and human rights organization based in North Texas.
Anthony, also 17, is currently on house arrest after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000. He was initially jailed following the fatal stabbing of Metcalf at a high school track meet on April 2. The case, which has generated intense public scrutiny and online vitriol, has taken a troubling turn as Anthony’s family is now being subjected to what advocates describe as a campaign of racial intimidation.
Due to “an alarming increase in death threats, continued harassment, and physical intimidation,” the court has approved a motion to move Karmelo Anthony from his home to an undisclosed location to protect his safety, NGAN said.
“We are sharing images and documentation of the threats the family has faced this past weekend to make the public aware of the dangerous atmosphere that has been created — an atmosphere fueled by organized hate, systemic racism, and intentional misinformation,” said Minister Dominique Alexander, President of NGAN.
The family has reportedly endured in-person harassment including strangers loitering around their home, photographing the property, and sending disturbing mail — including a copy of Austin Metcalf’s obituary. Individuals have also made false food deliveries and repeatedly circled the residence in what appears to be deliberate attempts to provoke fear.
NGAN confirmed its internal security team is collaborating with local law enforcement to protect the Anthony family. The organization released photo and video evidence of the alleged threats to underscore the severity of the situation.
“It is both heartbreaking and infuriating to see the depths of hate and bigotry still alive and well in our society,” said Alexander. “No family should have to live under siege simply because they are demanding their constitutional rights. We will not be silent, and we will not back down.”
The move to protect Anthony also comes on the heels of a recent public rally in Frisco, further inflaming tensions around the case.
Context Behind the Charges
On April 2, during a UIL District 11-5A track meet at Kuykendall Stadium, police say a physical altercation broke out between Anthony, a student from Centennial High School, and Metcalf, a student athlete from Memorial High School. According to witness statements and an arrest affidavit, Anthony had been sitting under Memorial’s tent and was asked to leave. Witnesses say Metcalf then pushed Anthony, after which Anthony allegedly pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed him in the chest.
Anthony reportedly admitted to the stabbing and asked officers whether his actions could be considered self-defense. “Is he going to be okay?” Anthony asked at the scene, according to police.
While the legal process will determine the outcome of the case, civil rights advocates stress that no one — especially minors — should be subjected to vigilante-style retribution or public persecution. NGAN has called for a fair and unbiased process free from harassment, misinformation, and racial targeting.
“This family deserves protection, due process, and dignity,” said Alexander. “Our community must rise above fear and hate. We must hold space for truth, accountability, and healing.”